Denying Our Flesh and Allowing Our Spirit to Be the Area of Focus
In our Fasting Series – Part One, Elder Rochelle Semple discussed the importance of fasting as an organic way of expressing one’s faith in relation to one’s whole being (spirit, soul and body). She also highlighted the spiritual and physical benefits, preparation for and challenges when we fast. As we conclude the series, we examine some other critical considerations when embarking on a fast.
Functional Saviour
Functional saviours are things that we embrace that are not of God. Through the prophet Jeremiah, God issued a strong warning against functional saviours, calling them broken cisterns: “Has a nation changed its gods, even though they are no gods? But my people have changed their glory for that which does not profit. Be appalled, O heavens, at this; be shocked, be utterly desolate, declares the LORD, for my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water (2:11-13).” Sadly, we are all prone to embrace functional saviours. Thus, we must identify and reject them, though it’s not always easy.
When asked about functional saviours that one can fast against, Elder Semple shared: addiction to drugs, pornography, generational curses, greed for money, procrastination and sexual immoralities. She also added that we can fast and pray against many other functional saviours or rather “stubborn situations” one can identify.
God’s warning is abundantly clear, Elder Rochelle admonished. Functional saviours cannot be depended on. God declares this to be an unprofitable, appalling, shocking, and evil practice. The benefit of this is that when we identify and remove our functional saviours, our dependence is free to shift to the true and living God, the fountain of living waters.
Dealing with Temptation
Elder Semple encouraged us to recognise that temptations will come, and then we must be true to ourselves, determine in our hearts and believe that we will come through this period of separation. We must call on God and rely only on Him, since if we rely on ourselves, we will succumb to our temptations. She stated that we must maintain our focus and remember to pray. “The enemy is present to distract you, but once you call on God, He will help you,” the Elder stated.
Be Cautious when Fasting
We must always be cautious while fasting. Elder Semple stated that we must follow all guidelines and instructions provided by the church, such as eating the foods recommended, praying when fasting – otherwise you would be on a diet – reading and studying the Word of God for spiritual food, maintaining focus in the midst of distraction, finding quiet time to be with God personally, and appearing as your normal self so as to avoid others becoming knowledgeable of your fasting.
Fasting and Health Challenges
Fasting can be difficult for some people who are suffering from various medical conditions. It is critical for such people to understand how to begin a fast while remaining disciplined. Elder Semple emphasised that this is not a time for rebellion; always consult your physician and get medical advice before beginning a fast, and use medications if necessary. Do not exercise a level of faith and not use medication; instead, follow the medical practitioners’ advice and recommended food.
Tips for Fasting
Elder Semple concluded the interview by sharing some fasting tips. She encouraged people to set aside time for fasting and praying, to have a goal in mind, to recognise different types of fasts such as the Esther Fast, the 6am – 6pm Fast, etc., to make a list of prayer requests, to go back at the end of the fast and see what breakthrough you have received, to drink lots of water, to use healthy fruits and vegetables, and to saturate your environment with worship. She went on to say that fasting is an investment in your spiritual growth and development as well as the spiritual growth and development of those around you. The benefits of fasting are great and this practice is a necessity in every believer’s life.
“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? (Isaiah 58:6 NIV)
