The Blessing of Fasting

First, what is fasting? Fasting is partial or total staying away from food, water, and marital sex. There is total or absolute fast when you completely stay away from these three things that naturally nourish or give pleasure to the body.

Everybody fasts somehow, either voluntarily, or compulsorily. So, you should know that fasting is a part of life. However, It is better to fast willingly or voluntarily than situations or circumstances compelling you to fast.

Compulsory fasting is when sickness makes you stay out of food or when there is no food to eat. Any of such is a terrible experience. You don't just eat and eat because there is so much food in the house. That is not even good for your health. As a matter of fact, when there is so much food, that's when you should think of fasting more.

Fasting is a spiritual execise. If you think of becoming spiritual and yet you don't want to fast, then you are wasting your time and a big joker at that.

All religions practice fasting. Christians should and must learn how to fast if they must go far and fast in their Christian race. That our Lord Jesus fasted for forty days and forty nights doesn't mean that you shouldn't fast. " And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast. (Matthew 9:15)

Please, take note that,

*It is an error to separate yourself and keep eating when your church is fasting (except you are on medication, pregnant, a nursing mother, or have a compelling health issue complicated by aging)

*Fasting is not punishment. It is only an exercise you need to subdue the flesh and give preeminence to the spirit for a flow and better communication and communion with God.

*It is not fasting that brings answers, it is grace. Fasting only works out grace.

*God is not interested in your fasting, He is only interested in your concentration, consecration, attention and focus.

*Fasting teaches discipline, self control and patience.

*Fasting improves your health because during the period of fasting detoxication takes place in your body.

*Fasting time is a time for prayer, study of the word and self examination

*When fasting, as much as possible, reduce physical activities, like much physical work, gisting, jesting and all forms of frivolities, and focus more on spiritual things.

*Couples can have sex while fasting if it's not an absolute fast and if they so desire. Sexual abstinence during a fast is only necessary so that the couple can have time to focus on spiritual things and the essence of the fast per se, and to have time for prayers. And if there is need for sexual abstinence, it must be by consent because a partner must not defraud the other of their conjugal right. So, if they choose by consent to sleep together during a fast, then why not. But it should be between the hours of 12am and 6am.

Why should a couple think of sleeping together after 6.00am when fasting? It makes no sense. The couple should also know that sex is energy sapping. And if they choose to meet during a fast it will lead to more physical weakness during the day(especially the man). It is not a sin per se. It's only a choice.

Lastly, fasting is a mindset. If you want to fast and you believe you can, you can.

To all churches fasting at this beginning of the year, may you all receive the blessing of fasting, but know that fasting is more than a religious activity, it is a spiritual exercise.

And above all, apply wisdom and caution to your fasting so that you will reap the full benefits of fasting and not destroying your health.

Shallom