The Power of Fasting: A Spiritual Journey

Today, we're going to delve into a topic that is as relevant today as it was during the times of Moses, Jesus, and the early church - the spiritual discipline of fasting.

When you hear the word 'fasting,' what comes to mind? For some, it might be images of hunger and deprivation. For others, it might remind you of diet trends or health gurus. But when we fast the way Jesus told us to do, fasting has a deeply spiritual significance, far beyond a mere abstinence from food.

Fasting, in its essence, is a deliberate abstention from physical gratification(Deliberate abstention from physical gratification refers to intentionally refraining or holding oneself back from indulging in pleasures or comforts that are physical in nature.

Here are some scripture about fasting. Lets look at both in the Old and New Testaments. Here are some significant references:

1. **Matthew 4:1-11** - This passage recounts the story of Jesus fasting in the wilderness for 40 days and 40 nights, being tempted by the devil, and overcoming those temptations.

2. **Isaiah 58:3-7** - Here, God, through the prophet Isaiah, redefines true fasting as not just abstaining from food, but also doing justice and providing for those in need.

3. **Acts 27:9** - This mentions the fast, a reference to the Day of Atonement, the most solemn holy day in Judaism which involves fasting.

4. **Joel 2:12-13** - God, through the prophet Joel, calls the people to a fast to show their repentance and turning back to Him.

5. **Luke 18:12** - In Jesus' parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector, the Pharisee boasts about his religious practices, including fasting.

6. **Acts 13:2-3** - The church at Antioch fasts and prays before sending off Paul and Barnabas on their missionary journey.

7. **Esther 4:16** - Queen Esther asks the Jews in Susa to fast for her as she plans to approach the king with a request to save her people.

8. **Matthew 6:16-18** - In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus instructs his followers on the correct attitude in fasting, emphasizing sincerity and humility over outward show.

These passages, among others, provide a broad view of the practice of fasting within the Bible and its intended spiritual purpose.

This is typically done with a specific purpose in mind, such as for a period of religious fasting, self-discipline, meditation, or reflection. The physical gratification that one may abstain from can range from food and drink to more contemporary comforts like using technology, social media, or other forms of entertainment.

In the context of a religious fast, this abstention is often seen as a way to focus the mind and spirit on prayer, contemplation, or the seeking of spiritual insight or growth. It's a way to draw one's attention away from the physical and towards the spiritual, fostering a deeper connection with one's faith or divine entity. It also serves to remind individuals of their dependence on God rather than worldly pleasures.

Remember, while this practice can be beneficial, it's essential to ensure that any form of abstention is done safely and healthily. Extreme or prolonged denial of necessary physical needs can be harmful. If you choose to practice any form of abstention, it should be done mindfully, with respect for your physical health and wellbeing.) - often but not always food - to achieve a greater spiritual goal. It is a time of focusing on God, setting aside distractions, and training our spirit.

1st question.

Why should we fast, especially in this day and age when everything around us promotes indulgence(Indulgence, in the simplest terms, is like treating yourself. It's when you allow yourself to enjoy something special, often a luxury or comfort, just because it makes you happy.)? Fasting has many spiritual benefits, some of which are described in the Bible. Jesus himself fasted for 40 days and 40 nights in the wilderness, as written in Matthew 4:1-11. It was a time of preparation, prayer, and spiritual combat against temptation.

1. Fasting brings us closer to God, and it's a time when we can hear God more clearly. It's a spiritual discipline that clears the path between us and God, removes distractions, and helps us to focus on God.

2. The act of humility and submission to God, showing our dependency on Him rather than on worldly things. It allows us to show God that we prioritize Him above all else, including our physical needs. Here is an example Certainly, let's take the story of the Prophet Daniel as an example. In the Old Testament, in the Book of Daniel, there's a story of Daniel's decision to abstain from "royal food" while he was living in the Babylonian king's court (Daniel 1:8-16).

When Daniel was taken captive by the Babylonians, he and his friends were chosen for their intellect and looks to serve in the king's palace. They were offered the king's food and wine, considered the best in the land. However, Daniel chose not to defile himself with the royal food and wine and asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way.

Daniel decided to stick with vegetables and water for ten days, rather than indulge in the royal fare. At the end of the ten days, Daniel and his friends looked healthier and better nourished than the young men who ate the royal food.

In this case, Daniel's abstention from the royal food wasn't primarily about health or diet. It was a statement of dependency on God, an act of humility and submission. By refusing to partake in the rich food and wine, Daniel was symbolically prioritizing his relationship with God over physical and worldly gratification. He showed that his trust and strength lay with God, not with worldly comforts or luxuries.

This is an example of prioritizing God over physical needs and worldly pleasures. It demonstrates that our relationship with God often involves making choices that might go against what is considered the "norm" or what is immediately gratifying, but these choices serve to deepen our spiritual connection and faith in God.

2nd Question.

How can you, as young people, incorporate fasting into your life?

Firstly, it's essential to understand that fasting isn't just about not eating. It's a time for deep, intentional prayer and reflection. When you abstain from something, replace that time or activity with prayer and reading the scripture.

Secondly, remember that fasting isn't a competition or a show. Matthew 6:16-18 warns us not to make a public spectacle of our fasts but to fast quietly and humbly, seeking God's approval rather than that of our peers.

Thirdly, know that there are different kinds of fasts. You can abstain from certain types of food, skip one or two meals a day, or even fast from something other than food. For example, you could fast from social media, television, or any other activity that typically consumes your time and attention.

As we go through these challenging times, let us remember that our strength comes not only from our physical nourishment but also our spiritual nourishment. Fasting is a way to enhance that spiritual nourishment, a path to a deeper relationship with God.

In closing, I encourage you to consider fasting, not as an obligation, but as an opportunity to grow closer to God. Remember to seek guidance from a trusted adult or spiritual leader if you decide to start fasting, and always listen to your body and respect its needs.

May God guide us and strengthen us in our spiritual journey. In the end, it is not about what we give up but what we gain - a stronger connection with God, a deeper understanding of ourselves, and a heightened sense of spiritual empowerment.