Help! I Want to Fast But I Don't Know Where to Start

"Then John’s disciples came and asked him, “How is it that we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?” Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast." ~ Matthew 9:14-15

As we are beginning to close this year, I know and believe that most of you are going to start the new year in a period of fasting so I decided to do a blog post about it. For those that are new to fasting or if you've never involved yourself in fasting and are interested but don't know what to do or where to even start, happy reading. Hoping these points will help give you insight on the purpose of fasting that will help set you to have a fresh start to the new year.

Fasting and prayer enables us to hear from the Lord.

His word says that if we seek Him with all of our hearts, we shall find Him (Jeremiah 29:12-13). Fasting and prayer go hand in hand. Prayer is daily communication with the Father and is the fire that fuels us in fasting. What use is in having a car but not being able to put gas in it?

He answers those who call on Him; so if you desire to clearly hear from Him, simply fast and pray: "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." (Jeremiah 33:3)

Fasting involves setting our minds to gain understanding & wisdom

While fasting for three weeks, Daniel's mind was set on receiving wisdom & understanding; and because of that, he was able to hear from the Lord concerning a war that would happen in the future through a vision (Daniel 10:12). Queen Esther fasted to gain wisdom & understanding on how to intercede for God's people (Esther 4:15-16). Jesus often fasted and prayed to prepare for His ministry (Luke 4). If you want to seek God for the plan He has on your life and how to rightfully prepare, fast with the mind sight to gain understanding and wisdom. He will freely give it to You (James 1:5).

Fasting is done with a heart attitude of humility

God opposes the proud (1 Peter 5:5), therefore if one wishes to seek the face of the Lord, one must approach Him with humility. Daniel demonstrated humility in his prayer to God about Jerusalem while fasting (Daniel 9). Matthew 6 explains that when fasting, you must do it in an attitude free from pride and arrogance. Don't fast to be seen and praised by others; fast to be seen by God.

Fasting is no longer just about food

Fasting involves putting down the things that serves as a distraction from drawing near to God. Social media, television (or binge watching), food, certain types of music, etc are other things considered necessary to fast from. Draw away from the noise and get to the quiet place with God.

What type of fasts are there?

There are different types of fasts from the Bible that serve as great examples. Seek the Lord on which fast you can do and He will help you through it.

• Daniel fast

Eat no bread, sweets, or any meat for 21 days. You can only eat fruits and vegetables, and drink water and juice.

• Partial fast

A partial fast is from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm or from sun up to sundown. (You can choose whether to incorporate from the three types of fasting —a Full Fast, Daniel Fast or give up certain foods).

• Full fast

Known as the drinking fast, you may only drink liquids (water, fruit and vegetable, and/or dairy are recommended). Go by the number of days you are led to do.

Things to know when fasting:

• Don't look to it as a task

Don't look to the clock thinking, "When will it be over?!" or else the fast won't be fulfilling. When we look at fasting as a routine without knowledge of why it's important, it will eventually become meaningless. But when we look at fasting as a willingness to draw near and hear God, we gain so much more than what we were fasting for in the first place, communion with Jesus. If you're tempted to look at the clock and count the hours and days, remind yourself why you're fasting and it will put your mind back on track.

• Don't do what you normally do

If you're going to fast, you shouldn't be doing what you normally do for example, watching TV all day long, talking on the phones with your friends all day, spending endless hours on social media, and etc. Put down the distractions, go to your quiet place and be alone with the Father. You'll be surprised to see how much time you spend doing other things when you replace it by spending time with God.

• Health Concerns

If you have any medical/health concerns that may interfere with your fast, it's best to consult with your doctor before you start to see if it's necessary to take certain health precautions. Depending on the type of fast you choose to do, you can limit your fasting to half the day, or from morning to mid afternoon (a partial fast would be better recommended if concerned about health issues).

• Feed yourself spiritually

Involve yourself with things that will help you grow spiritually. Read books. Pray. Watch sermons. If you're busy and on the go, put on a sermon and listen to it on the car or on your phone as you're doing your everyday things. Turn on worship music. Pray. Read up on the scriptures. Pray. Make room for the Spirit to consume you. Keep yourself fixed and focused on God and leave no room for distractions.

In Luke 4, Jesus fasted for 40 days in the wilderness and during those days, the enemy tempted Him. But Jesus fought back with the Word of God and when the enemy saw that Jesus would not give in, he left Him (Luke 4:1-13). Praying and studying the scriptures are useful for fasting. There will be times when you will be tempted to quit and break your fast so it's important to stay spiritually fed. Bury yourself in the Word, resist the enemy and he shall flee from you (James 4:7).

• Preparation is key

A few days before, devote yourself to getting yourself ready on how to maintain your fast. If you're planning to fast from certain foods, sort out a meal plan for the foods you can eat. Make a list of what to get and go grocery shopping the day before. If you're fasting from social media or television, set a reminder of how much time you've spent scrolling or better yet, temporarily delete the app so you're not tempted to log on. Look up a bible plan and keep a prayer journal to write down prayers and what you've learned. Getting prepared to fast beforehand helps motivate you to finish strong with expectation.

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As we begin to enter the new year, may we fast with one thing in mind, to gain understand & wisdom for what God has prepared for us in the year 2019. No matter what beholds us in the new year, may we be grounded and ready to face what we already have victory over. And whatever it is we will be fasting for, may we remember that He is the greatest reward we can ever receive.

If you're planning to fast or have any other helpful tips on fasting, head on over to Soul Sister Talk on the blog. I and others would love to hear from you. God Bless loves and wishing y'all a happy new year!

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Dear Father,

I want to first thank you for the year 2018. I thank you for the lessons and challenges that not only helped me but strengthened me for this upcoming new year. I want to first thank you for your faithfulness in protecting us year after year. Father, I pray for myself and anyone who will be fasting whether it be the first month of the year or throughout the year 2019. May we fast with repentative and humble hearts, seeking You and Your Kingdom. Help us to set our minds on gaining wisdom and understanding on Your Word and how to carry out the plans You have for us. I pray that we fast with open spiritual ears and an open hear so we may hear You clearly when You speak to us. Please open our eyes to see what distracts us and prevents us from being with You. I pray that You give us discernment, helping us to remove the things that don't belong in our lives and hearts so we can fully propel in the things you have for us. May our relationship with You be stronger, more rooted, and deeper as we press in. I pray and declare that we walk with faith, strength, wisdom, and courage as we walk in 2019 with You. With open heart and arms, we surrender to You and Your eternal plan, unafraid for You go before us. May this year be Your year, God. In Your Holy name, Amen.