Matthew 6:16-18
Fasting means going without something that is important for a specific length of time. Why do people fast? To humble themselves. To focus on God, His Word, and the needs
of other people. To have more time to pray, study the Bible, and listen to God. To learn God’s will or plan. To let God know that they realize that, without God, they can do nothing.
There is no required amount of time that a person must fast. A fast could last for an hour, a few days, or several weeks. For example, you could fast during your lunch hour at work.
When we fast, it is important that we fast to honor God, not to get attention from other people. Verse 17 & 18 say, “So when you fast, wash your face and make yourself look nice. Then no one will know you are fasting,
except your Father, who is with you even in private. He can see what is done in private, and he will reward you.”
Fasting usually means giving up food, but you can fast from other things. For example, you can give up TV, movies, video games, anything you’d like. Fasting from your favorite activity, even for a short time, shows that you are willing to keep God first in your life. Joel 2:12 says this about fasting – “This is the Lord's message: 'Now come back to me with all your heart. Cry and mourn, and don't eat anything! Show that you are sad for doing wrong.” In other words, fasting is a time to show God that we are sorry for our sin, that we are sorry we have failed to obey Him.
How can you know if God wants you to fast?
Ask Him. He’ll guide you.
Let’s pray. Heavenly Father, we want to spend some time with You. If You want us to fast, help us know what we should give up as we take time to focus on You and Your will for our lives. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
I hope you will click the link and download the Inductive Study Guide and let God teach you more about prayer and fasting.
Enjoy your time with God!
God bless!
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