Fasting - The Purpose (Day 4)

So by now we are clear on what fasting is, how it works, the benefits of fasting and just about how long we should commit to it.  Now let's get into the PURPOSE of fasting.  Like I've stated in previous posts we can fast as part of a diet or for spiritual reasons.  A good friend once said that without prayer, you're merely on a diet anyway.  If your sole purpose of fasting is to lose weight then may be only focused on what you don't eat and you're missing out on the revelation that awaits you when you implement prayer. 

However, if you are fasting to lose weight the purpose is simple - to lose weight?  With losing weight you will gain a lot more energy and cut out any health issues that may have arisen due to bad eating habits. 

For the Spiritual fast, ideally, we should spend most of the waking part of a fast period praying, studying and reflecting. The Bible has a great deal to say about both fasting and praying, including commands to fast and pray. The Bible also gives us examples of people who fasted and prayed, using different types of fasts for different reasons, all of which are very positive results. Jesus fasted and prayed. Jesus' disciples fasted and prayed after the Resurrection. Many of the Old Testament heroes and heroines of the faith fasted and prayed. The followers of John the Baptist fasted and prayed.  Many people in the early church fasted and prayed. What the Scriptures have taught us directly and by the examples of the saints is surely something we are to do.

In the society we live in, it's hard to comprehend that fasting is unpopular. People tend to think that every day they need three large meals plus snacks. In a culture of continual feasting, it seems there is no place for fasting! From that standpoint alone, fasting is good for character building—developing self-discipline, commitment, moderation and better eating habits.

"If my people who are called by my name would humble themselves and pray.........." 

Wednesday's Consumption
Breakfast - Banana and Mixed Berries Smoothie
Lunch - Mixed Greens Salad
Dinner - Banana and Strawberry Smoothie

Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

So by now we are clear on what fasting is, how it works, the benefits of fasting and just about how long we should commit to it.  Now let's get into the PURPOSE of fasting.  Like I've stated in previous posts we can fast as part of a diet or for spiritual reasons.  A good friend once said that without prayer, you're merely on a diet anyway.  If your sole purpose of fasting is to lose weight then may be only focused on what you don't eat and you're missing out on the revelation that awaits you when you implement prayer. 

However, if you are fasting to lose weight the purpose is simple - to lose weight?  With losing weight you will gain a lot more energy and cut out any health issues that may have arisen due to bad eating habits. 

For the Spiritual fast, ideally, we should spend most of the waking part of a fast period praying, studying and reflecting. The Bible has a great deal to say about both fasting and praying, including commands to fast and pray. The Bible also gives us examples of people who fasted and prayed, using different types of fasts for different reasons, all of which are very positive results. Jesus fasted and prayed. Jesus' disciples fasted and prayed after the Resurrection. Many of the Old Testament heroes and heroines of the faith fasted and prayed. The followers of John the Baptist fasted and prayed.  Many people in the early church fasted and prayed. What the Scriptures have taught us directly and by the examples of the saints is surely something we are to do.

In the society we live in, it's hard to comprehend that fasting is unpopular. People tend to think that every day they need three large meals plus snacks. In a culture of continual feasting, it seems there is no place for fasting! From that standpoint alone, fasting is good for character building—developing self-discipline, commitment, moderation and better eating habits.

"If my people who are called by my name would humble themselves and pray.........." 

Wednesday's Consumption
Breakfast - Banana and Mixed Berries Smoothie
Lunch - Mixed Greens Salad
Dinner - Banana and Strawberry Smoothie

Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. and Designs by Shay, the Blog "My Journey, My Way, My LIFESTYLE ~ Celebrating Love, Laughter and Everything in Between..." You or your brand interested in a review? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.