Let's Talk FASTING

Happy New Years Queen

I pray that God crossed you over into the year 2019 with an abundance of His love and grace. I pray that you have entered this new year prepared to be a better version of yourself and ready to reap the harvest from the seeds you sowed in 2018. 2019 will be a beautiful year my sister, I hope you are ready.

Now, I want to take the time to discuss a practice that becomes popular at the start of a new year. FASTING. In churches all across America Christians engage in corporate fasting prior to planning or hosting ministry events. This time of fasting and prayer is designed to draw an individual closer to God. Practices include abstaining from certain food groups and beverages while communing with God through prayer and multiple avenues of worship. The Daniel fast is the most commonly practiced fast (Daniel 1). A 21-day fast from all major food categories except vegetables, fruits, grains and nuts. The only beverage permitted during this time is water. Although, the foundation of the fast is abstinence from food and drink it is encouraged that an individual also refrain from all other habits that distracts their focus from God. This could be sex, secular music, gambling, reality television, etc.

I wanted to discuss the topic of fasting because as much as it is practiced, it is misunderstood and misinterpreted. I, too am guilty of this. I've witnessed and heard several accounts of the power of prayer and fasting, but it wasn't until I truly desired an uninterrupted and divine communication with God that I understood the concept for myself. Perhaps you are considering participating in a fast with your church community or as an individual. Maybe you've decided not to participate due to lack of knowledge or the fear of your ability to fast successfully. Whatever the reason, I just want to share with you some truths as it pertains to fasting.

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At its core, fasting is designed to create a spiritual connection between God and his beloved children. Let's look at Daniel 1. Here we meet Daniel, one of four young men chosen to be trained and serve in the palace of the Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar. The men were privileged to food and wine from the king's table as a part of their training. But the Bible tells us that, "Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself in this way." (Daniel 1:8 NIRV) The passage goes on to tell us that Daniel asked the chief official to test him and the other chosen men against the servants for over a course of 10 days. During this time, Daniel and the others would only eat vegetables and drink water. Those who served in the king's palace would eat from a spread of royal food and wine.

" At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food. " Daniel 1:15, NIRV

It was evident that a physical transformation occurred following these ten days. The same holds true today. When you enter a fast, the physical results manifest almost immediately. However, we are to look past the physical changes and embrace the spiritual experience that takes place.

"So the guard took away their choice food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables instead. To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds. "

Daniel 1:16-17

Verse 17 allows us to see what manifests spiritually when we fast. Although the guard prepared the same meal for the servants, God only blessed the four young men. It had nothing to do with the substance or the preparation of the food before them but it was through their obedience and faithfulness that they were blessed with knowledge and understanding of all kind. Sister, fasting was not designed as jump-start into your 2019 wight loss goals. It is not simply a test to measure endurance and sustainability. God wants to use this time to pour into you knowledge and understanding. Do you know the power of knowledge and understanding that comes from God? The chapter tells us that when the time came for Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah to be presented to the king, he found no one equal to them. It says that he found them to be ten times better than anyone in his kingdom. If you cast aside your worldly desires, commit yourself to spending time with God and allow Him to work in you the results will be unmatched!

The chapter does not describe the moments in which Daniel and the others communed with God in prayer but does give an account of God's favor upon them. How could favor be manifested without relationship? God requires more from us than just giving up sweets and artificial fruit juices in order to receive His blessings. Spiritual fasting is not a diet. It is a sacred ritual designed to remove worldly distractions and replace them with spiritual intentions. If you continue to read throughout the book of Daniel you are able to see the results of Daniel's intentional spiritual obedience. If you are engaging in a fast or considering participating in one, be intentional. Be intentional in your praise and worship. Be intentional in your communication with God during that time. Be intentional in your commitment to abstain from any habits and practices that will distract you from experiencing God. My dear friend, if you are intentional in your fasting God will be intentional in His promises, purpose and provision for your year.

Be blessed beloved

Ms. Kie