Fasting audio

Fasting is an ancient spiritual practice that has been used by biblical figures like Moses, Elijah, and Jesus to seek God's presence and guidance. It attracts God because it humbles us, clears our minds, helps us repent and purify ourselves, and prepares us for God's work. However, there are two mistakes to avoid while fasting: fasting with the wrong motives and neglecting prayer and scripture. Fasting should be done with a pure heart and sincere motives, seeking God's presence and aligning our will with His. It should also be combined with prayer and meditation on God's Word for spiritual nourishment. Practical tips for effective fasting include starting small, staying hydrated, setting aside time for prayer and Bible study, listening to your body, and breaking your fast gradually. Fasting may be challenging, but it's about seeking God with a sincere heart and experiencing His presence in a powerful way. Have you ever wondered why fasting holds such a powerful attraction for God? What is it about this ancient practice that calls down divine favour? And more importantly, are there things we might be doing that could hinder the blessings meant for us during this sacred time? Today, we're going to uncover the mysteries behind fasting and reveal two crucial things you should never do while fasting. Let's dive in. Fasting is more than just abstaining from food. It's a spiritual discipline that has been practised for thousands of years. From Moses to Jesus, many biblical figures fasted to seek God's presence and guidance. In this video, we'll explore why fasting is so significant, and I'll share with you two critical mistakes to avoid to ensure your fasting experience is spiritually enriching and effective. Fasting is mentioned numerous times in the Bible, often associated with repentance, seeking God's guidance, and drawing closer to him. In the Old Testament, we see Moses fasting for 40 days and 40 nights on Mount Sinai as he received the Ten Commandments. Elijah also fasted for 40 days while fleeing from Jezebel. In the New Testament, Jesus himself fasted for 40 days in the wilderness before beginning his public ministry. These examples show us that fasting is a powerful tool to prepare our hearts and minds for God's work. But why does fasting attract God? There are several reasons. One, humility and dependence on God. Fasting humbles us and reminds us of our dependence on God. By denying ourselves physical sustenance, we acknowledge that our true sustenance comes from God alone. In Joel chapter 2, verses 12-13, God calls his people to return to him with all their heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning, emphasizing the importance of humility in our relationship with him. Two, spiritual clarity and focus. Fasting helps us to clear our minds and focus on God. Without the distractions of daily life, we can hear God's voice more clearly. Isaiah chapter 58, verses 6-9 highlights how true fasting can lead to spiritual breakthroughs, breaking the chains of injustice, and bringing healing and righteousness. Three, repentance and purification. Fasting is often associated with repentance and purification. In the book of Jonah, the people of Nineveh fasted and repented, and God spared them from destruction. This act of humility and repentance showed their sincere desire to turn away from their sins and seek God's mercy. Four, preparation for God's work. Fasting prepares us for God's work. Just as Jesus fasted before his ministry, we too can use fasting to seek God's guidance and strength for the tasks he has set before us. Acts chapter 13, verses 2-3, describes how the early Christians fasted and prayed before sending out Paul and Barnabas on their missionary journey, showing the importance of seeking God's direction through fasting. While fasting is a powerful spiritual practice, there are two crucial mistakes you should never make. One, do not fast with the wrong motives. Fasting should be done with a pure heart and sincere motives. Jesus warned against fasting for show in Matthew chapter 6, verses 16-18, where he said, When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly, I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father who is unseen, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you. Fasting should be an intimate act of devotion between you and God, not a means to gain admiration or attention from others. Fasting with the wrong motives can render your fast ineffective. Instead, focus on seeking God's presence, repenting of your sins, and aligning your will with His. This sincerity will draw you closer to God and allow His Spirit to work more powerfully in your life. Two, do not neglect prayer and scripture. Reading, fasting without prayer, and scripture reading is simply going hungry. The power of fasting lies in its combination with prayer and meditation on God's Word. In Matthew chapter 4, verse 4, Jesus said, Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. This teaches us that spiritual nourishment is as important as physical nourishment, if not more so. When you fast, make a deliberate effort to spend more time in prayer and reading the Bible. This will help you to focus on God and understand His will for your life. Use this time to seek His guidance, ask for His forgiveness, and thank Him for His blessings. By doing so, you'll strengthen your relationship with God and experience the true spiritual benefits of fasting. Here are some practical tips to help you fast effectively. One, start small. If you're new to fasting, start with shorter fasts and gradually increase the duration. This will help your body adjust and make the experience more manageable. Two, stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water during your fast to stay hydrated. This is especially important if you're fasting for an extended period. Three, set aside time for prayer and Bible study. Make a schedule for your fasting period that includes dedicated times for prayer and reading the Bible. This will help you stay focused and make the most of your fast. Four, listen to your body. If you feel unwell during your fast, it's important to listen to your body and seek medical advice if necessary. Fasting should not harm your health. Five, break your fast. Gradually, when you end your fast, do so gradually by eating light, easily digestible foods. This will help your body readjust to eating normally. I understand that fasting can be challenging. In our busy lives, it's hard to find time for spiritual practices, and the thought of going without food can be daunting. You might feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities and pressures of daily life, and adding fasting to your routine may seem like another burden. But remember, fasting is not about perfection. It's about seeking God with a sincere heart. It's okay to feel weak, hungry, or even frustrated during your fast. These feelings remind us of our human limitations and our need for God's strength and grace. By understanding these principles and applying them to your fasting practice, you can draw closer to God and experience His presence in a powerful way. Let your fasting be a time of spiritual renewal, where you set aside the worries of the world and focus on your relationship with God. Allow His peace and strength to fill your heart as you humble yourself before Him. If you found this video helpful, don't forget to like, share, and subscribe. Leave your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. How has fasting impacted your spiritual journey? What tips do you have for others who are new to fasting? Until next time, keep exploring the mysteries of the Bible with us. Remember, fasting is not just about abstaining from food. It's about drawing closer to God and seeking His will for your life. May God bless you.