Denying Our Flesh and Allowing Our Spirit to Be the Area of Focus
In a recent interview, Elder Rochelle Semple defined fasting as “abstaining or partially abstaining from food for a designated period of time as an act of discipline and worship unto God.” She added that fasting must be accompanied by diligent prayer and Scripture study; otherwise, abstinence from food is simply dieting.
What is Fasting?
Fasting is an organic way to express your faith with your whole being (spirit, soul and body). It allows us to reconnect and be with the Lord.
Elder Semple stated that man is a tripartite being, consisting of spirit, soul, and body. She mentioned that fasting is necessary because it pushes us to deny our flesh and focus on our spirit; it is also necessary because it is an act of discipline and worship to God. Elder Semple then shared that the Word of God says that some things in our lives do not come out through prayers alone, but also through fasting.
Both the Old and New Testaments combine elements of prayer and fasting. While the benefits of using them individually are significant, the discipline of using them together can help us make life in a sinful world more bearable by connecting us to God and drawing on His power rather than our own.
Spiritual and Physical Benefits
The benefits of spiritual fasting can be found throughout the Bible. The book of Isaiah listed eighteen benefits of fasting (Isaiah 58:6-14). To name a few: “You will call, and the Lord will answer (verse 9), You will cry for help, and He will say, “Here am I” (verse 9), and You will find your joy in the Lord (verse 14).” Moses fasted for 40 days and experienced the finger of God writing down the Ten Commandments (Exodus 34:28). Jesus fasted for 40 days before beginning a ministry that would forgive the world’s sins and reconcile the entire earth to God (1 Peter 3:18 & Colossians 1:20).
Not only is fasting spiritually beneficial but also physically. According to Elder Semple’s research, fasting can improve cognitive performance, protect you from obesity, prevent diseases, and improve overall fitness.
Preparation
Fasting can be challenging. We can easily become discouraged and even give up our fast if we do not have the proper mindset and preparation. Elder Semple advised that one should make mental notes and detoxify (cleanse) the body. “This will prevent any feeling of illness at the beginning of the fast.” She also advised husbands and wives to thoroughly discuss this discipline of fasting and then come into agreement, especially if one party is unsaved. She then added that there must be a goal for fasting (“What is my reason for fasting?”)
Challenges
The ultimate goal of fasting is to prayerfully engage this discipline in such a way that it becomes a regular spiritual rhythm in our lives. Fasting challenges, the “normal” flow of life and society, necessitating constant reliance on God. Our flesh fights against our spirit, tempting us in various ways, but the Lord is more than capable of keeping us.
Elder Semple discussed the physical and spiritual difficulties of fasting. “Failing to detoxify may result in physical challenges; some people get sick, vomit, and feel lightheaded. Certain medical conditions may pose a challenge as you won’t be able to fast as much as you would like. It may also be difficult to separate yourself depending on your situation and environment; you will be tempted by many things around you and your peers,” she explained. She went on to say that people may offer you food, you may feel like eating things you don’t really like, and you may be invited to multiple activities during that time, but the most important thing is to stay focused. Also before proceeding on any long fast, kindly consult your physician for clearance.
Fasting will enable one to have a more intimate relationship with Christ, ensuring that the Word of God is preserved in the face of adversity.
Be encouraged by James 1:3, which says, “knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.”
(Look out for Part Two of The Necessity of Fasting)
