Sermon Notes:-
Fasting is a practice mentioned in the Bible and upheld by many prophets. While living in any country, including this one, people often question our fasting rituals: when do we fast, what are the timings, and what can or cannot be consumed. Some wonder why we don’t eat solid food or bread but consume liquids.
Remember, living here or anywhere else, we often have to explain our fasting practices. The Bible provides numerous examples of prophets fasting. Fasting is not about mere abstinence from food; it has a purpose. Without purpose, fasting becomes mere dieting or an act of self-affliction. The Bible emphasizes that fasting should be purposeful, whether for spiritual growth, family well-being, or achieving specific goals.
For instance, in the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar, the Day of Atonement was designated as a day of fasting for the people of Israel. The scripture explains that this fasting lasted from one evening to the next, where individuals abstained from all food and drink as an act of repentance and connection to God.
Queen Esther fasted for three days to save her people from an imminent massacre. She, along with her companions, neither ate nor drank during this period. Her purpose-driven fasting brought deliverance for her people, showcasing the power of sacrifice and prayer combined.
King David also fasted for seven days for his child, hoping God would have mercy, but even when his child passed, he accepted God’s will. Similarly, prophets like Moses and Elijah fasted for 40 days, during which Moses received the commandments. These examples illustrate how fasting connects individuals to God and brings blessings into their lives.
Jesus Christ also fasted for 40 days and nights, setting an example for His followers. Fasting, in essence, is about sacrificing physical needs to strengthen one’s spiritual relationship with God. It’s an act of humility, seeking divine intervention in matters beyond human control.
The Bible mentions fasting 59 times, with references in both the Old and New Testaments. Twenty-five individuals in the Bible are noted for their fasting, reflecting its deep-rooted significance in scripture.
Fasting is not just about abstaining from food; it’s about complete dedication to God. It can involve personal, communal, or intercessory fasting. For example, fasting can be observed for personal spiritual growth, for family well-being, or even for one’s nation.
For instance, during a time of spiritual oppression in a community, fasting and prayer led to miraculous deliverance. Similarly, through fasting, another individual saw breakthroughs in financial and personal struggles. These testimonies reaffirm the belief that purposeful fasting brings divine results.
Fasting is a test of faith, especially for those who find it challenging due to health conditions like diabetes or other limitations. Even short durations of fasting, done with faith and sincerity, can bring significant changes. As one anecdote describes, fasting for just four hours with heartfelt prayer brought an immediate answer from God.
In conclusion, fasting, whether for a single day, three days, or 40 days, should be undertaken with a clear purpose. It is not just an act of denial but a powerful means of aligning oneself with God’s will. When done sincerely, it strengthens the spirit, brings answers to prayers, and deepens one’s faith.
