Why should a Christian fast?
I wondered about the usefulness of fasting the first time I tried. I couldn't understand what was to prove by it. Did God enjoy seeing me miserable? Did it demonstrate something important to Him? It has taken me a while to understand the discipline of fasting, but here is what I've learned so far...
Fasting helps us stay dependent on God
When you go without food even for a meal, you realize how dependent you are on earthly pleasures for happiness. I know that missing a meal will not kill me but it sure seems like it. I love to eat and when I'm stressed out, I look forward to the emotional lift it gives me during the day. Fasting shows me how dependent I've become on food for the emotional lift that God wants to supply. Fasting reminds me that there might be other things I rely on more than God to get me through the day. The Apostle Paul warns us: "All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything" (1 Cor. 6:12). The greatest danger for the Christian is not the Casino, the Bar, or the X-rated movie but the good things in life becoming ultimate things for us. We get mastered by them and God gets squeezed out of our life. Fasting then, keeps earthly pleasures in check. In regards to what we have called Fasting for Freedom, we engage in fasting to help break our slavery to comfort - the loss of which brings much fear.
Fasting gives power over sinful strongholds in our lives
Empowering grace is ready to pour on those who hunger for God and see their utter dependence on Him. When we recognize that we are helpless in overcoming sinful patterns, our desperate plea for help is heard on high.
"The the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit" (Ps. 34:17-18).
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