"Why Not Fast"

2 Samuel 12:15-23,

2 Samuel 12:15–23 KJV 1900

And Nathan departed unto his house. And the Lord struck the child that Uriah’s wife bare unto David, and it was very sick. David therefore besought God for the child; and David fasted, and went in, and lay all night upon the earth. And the elders of his house arose, and went to him, to raise him up from the earth: but he would not, neither did he eat bread with them. And it came to pass on the seventh day, that the child died. And the servants of David feared to tell him that the child was dead: for they said, Behold, while the child was yet alive, we spake unto him, and he would not hearken unto our voice: how will he then vex himself, if we tell him that the child is dead? But when David saw that his servants whispered, David perceived that the child was dead: therefore David said unto his servants, Is the child dead? And they said, He is dead. Then David arose from the earth, and washed, and anointed himself, and changed his apparel, and came into the house of the Lord, and worshipped: then he came to his own house; and when he required, they set bread before him, and he did eat. Then said his servants unto him, What thing is this that thou hast done? thou didst fast and weep for the child, while it was alive; but when the child was dead, thou didst rise and eat bread. And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who can tell whether God will be gracious to me, that the child may live? But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.

Fasting - Heb (to cover the mouth)…afflict the soul

Fasting is painful...

Detoxes the physical body, 2. Detoxes the soul (flesh vs spirit)

…it teaches us to totally depend on God…it’s the key to hearing God’s voice.

Fasting shuts the world out so we can tune into God.

Fasting is not a way to earn God’s blessing, nor does it get God to answer your prayers. It’s not an automatic way to receive a miracle…it’s nothing magical.

Fasting & Praying - God is not moved by what He sees, but by what He hears.

…it’s demonstration of humility & submission to the will of God...

It has been said that prayer is not preparation for the battle, prayer is the battle.

Repentance escorts Fasting!

Fasting puts us where we need to be.