Understanding the True Purpose of Fasting in Our Lives

I took a break from the routine pertaining to salvation, because of a situation that was discussed about what a true fast is and what it is not.

After seeing certain things posted that was a concern, I felt strongly that a message should be written about the meaning and the purpose for fasting according to the Word of God rightly divided.

Many have been following the rituals and erroneous doctrine of some people. I am putting emphasis on two prophets and what they wrote that still stands today.

Isaiah wrote a prophetic message that was confirmed by Jesus hundreds of years later. “Is this not the fast that I have chosen: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke?....Then your light shall break forth like the morning, your healing shall spring forth speedily, And your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am (Isaiah 58:6-9).

What did Jesus say about fasting?  Moreover, when you fast, do not be sad like the hypocrites are. For they disfigure their faces so they may be seen by men, how they fast. Truly I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face,  so that it does not appear to men that you are fasting, but to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly (Matthew 6:6-18). Externalism to be seen of people.

Although we don’t use sackcloth and ashes today, the message is about being seen and it gives the impression those who do this are more spiritual than others. In other words, this is about being seen of men and where does God fit in the picture. As Christians we should never give the appearance that we are on a fast.

We are to model Jesus in all we do- He is our perfect example of what a true fast  is and He rebuked the pharisees for their hypocrisy.

There are different ways that people fast, but there is only one true fast. If the church or a person is fasting because others are doing it, or because it has become a ritual and at it is done annually at a certain time of year, saints check your motives.

Corporate fasting is fine for the right reason rather than fasting because it is a tradition – which is manmade rather than Spirit led- Can fast for personal reasons mainly to draw closer to and become more intimate with the Lord, - whatever the reason it is always to break the band of wickedness undo heavy burdens and the captives to be set free.

The wrong reason for fasting – If it a ritual, to been seen by others.

Right reasons to fast- Number one should always get closer and have intimacy with Him.

Results from fasting- It destroy yokes, intercession for others, people are delivered and set free.

I believe the Lord is pleased if we choose to do personal fasts to become more intimate with Him.

We are to model Jesus in all we do- He is our perfect example of what a true fast is. The apostle Paul wrote: Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1).

I have not seen anywhere in the Bible where Jesus fasted in sackcloth and ashes. Please read Matthew 4:1-17).

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry……He was tempted by the devil  (Matthew 4:1-11).

Notice that He was led by the Spirit. After Jesus was ministered to by angels. Shortly afterward He began His public ministry. From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand (Matthew 4:17).

I am a follower of Christ not a follower of the tradition and erroneous doctrine of men.

With my whole heart I choose to do whatever God’s Word says that applies to me. Also, my ministry is about “Setting the Captives Free” BUT, how can I help others if I am not abiding by the Word of God.

Betty A. Burnett ~ burnettministries.org