Why Do We Fast?
Fasting is the most humbling act you can do in surrender to God, and you will be rewarded for your obedience. It is the only way we can silence the LOUD hysteria of the flesh and finally hear the voice of God clearly. There is no predicting how God will move when you fast, but I speak from a testimony after a practice of monthly fasting and prayer for over a year I have received powerful rewards, favor, prosperity, vision, deliverance, healing and blessings “no eye has seen, no ears have heard and no human heart could imagine be possible, is what God has for the ones who love him. (1 Corinthians 2:9)
The first step God led me to do when I gave my big yes to lay down my life and pick up the cross was to fast.
I committed to a 3-day water fast that became 7-days when I woke up on the 4th day and realized I could absolutely go a full week. The reward from that first week of purity and obedience shifted the trajectory of my life. At that time, I only had $147 in my bank account and was uncertain how I would pay my rent that week. On the 8th day after I had broken my fast, I had a surprise $10K arrive in my account as an unexpected gift and received a phone call that my student loans had dropped from $130K to $0 owed because my College lost a lawsuit with the Federal Government and owed only the students during my time enrolled $280 billion dollars in refunds.
Anything is possible with God, and from my own testimony, I can tell you Heaven gets really excited when we fast.
Here are 3 of the most basic fasting tips that will get you on your way:
1. BE PREPARED.
Commit to a set amount of time for fasting with the Holy Spirit (you should feel peace about it), and get way more water on hand than you think you need. I get enough to drink 1–2 gallons a day. If you get a headache, drink WAY more water. Drink until you are not hungry. Put away all the food—clear your counters, hide it or toss it—eliminate temptation. If you are preparing food for your husband or family, and if you can, meal prep ahead before you begin your fast so you can simply heat it up for them. Plan for that.
2. DO NOT TELL ANYONE YOU ARE FASTING.
“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.” — Matthew 6:16–18 (NIV)
3. Read Isaiah chapter 58.
Then write a list of what the Lord says is required for a proper fast. This is like an open-book quiz; all the exact requirements to receive that blessing are written there.
