One of the churches I had the privilege of pastoring faced a tough decision: move to another building or continue worshiping in the same one we had used for years. As with most big decisions, some members were in favor of moving, while others were opposed. The date for the big decision was set, and many members told me they were fasting and praying about this matter.
When we opened the meeting, the discussion was so heated that I could hardly believe what was happening. Some of my dear brothers and sisters seemed to have fasted, but they forgot to pray. Fasting without prayer is starvation. When people are starving, engaging in a kind, respectful conversation is not easy.
The necessity of fasting
The Bible tells us that Jesus fasted forty days and forty nights. “After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry” (Matt. 4:2).1 This account does not mandate that we fast for forty days; however, it seems to tell us that Jesus intended His disciples to fast. Plus, Jesus did say, “ ‘When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. . . . But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you’ ” (Matt 6:16–18).
The power of fasting
Fasting can increase spiritual vigor and strength. One time Jesus’ disciples asked why they could not cast out an evil spirit. Jesus said, “ ‘However this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting’ ” (Matt. 17:21, NKJV). Prayer and fasting can help us tap into the power that enables us to fight against the powers of darkness (Eph. 6:12).
The discipline of fasting
Fasting, like prayer, is a powerful spiritual discipline. It is an exercise that needs to be practiced by all who engage in saving souls. “Fasting is a spiritual exercise and discipline. It is a denial of self. When you deny yourself, you position the Lord as everything in your life, and then there is no end to the wonderful possibilities for you. Deliberately denying yourself food for a set period of time in order to give yourself more completely to prayer and closer communication with God has great rewards.”2
The humility of fasting
The disciplines of fasting and prayer are vital because they help us depend more on God and His strength than on our strength. Humans tend to feel proud of their accomplishments. Fasting and prayer help us place the glory where it belongs: in God. “Our work must be accompanied with deep humiliation, fasting, and prayer. We must not expect all peace and joy. There will be sadness; but if we sow in tears we shall reap in joy. Darkness and despondency may at times enter the heart of the self-sacrificing ones; but this is not against them. It may be God’s design to cause them to seek Him more earnestly.”3
The benefits of fasting
Pastor, when working for God, His power and His presence are guaranteed to help us succeed. However, we must strengthen our faith by prayer and fasting. Besides the spiritual benefits of fasting, there are many other benefits. Fasting is a cleansing process that helps the body eliminate poisons, cleans the blood, and purifies the whole system. Some even maintain that fasting can cure many illnesses and impede premature aging. But the most important thing to remember is that fasting and prayer bring us closer to God and help us totally surrender to His will and wisdom.
- Unless otherwise noted, scripture is from the New International Version.
- Stormie Omartian, Greater Health God’s Way: 7 Steps to Inner and Outer Beauty (Chatsworth, CA: Sparrow Press, 1984), 127.
- Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5 (Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press, 1948), 134.
