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Fasting
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Click on thumbnail for larger image. Artist unknown.
| "I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled." (Daniel 10:3) |
When Richard went into the hospital last month (July 2008), I decided to fast and ask Father Yahweh to please heal him. I had never before fasted, so I didn't know the "ins and outs" of fasting. I asked Richard, and he told me, "How you fast, and how LONG you decide to fast, is between you and Father Yahweh. Just tell Him why you've decided to fast, what you are going to give up for Him, how long you will fast, and the other details. Then stick to it as you've set up with Him." I prayed to Father Yahweh when I'd made up my mind. I told Him I was going to fast to give Him glory and honor, and to humbly ask Him to please heal my precious husband. I told Him I was planning to eat no meat and no sweets, except at lunch time, at which time I could eat meats and sweets. After the noon meal, I went back to fasting until the next day at lunch time. I agreed to fast like this until Richard was home from the hospital. I didn't give up all food and drink, I just didn't eat meat or sweets as agreed. For breakfasts, I would eat toast and eggs. For suppers, I would eat vegetables (sometimes with rice, sometimes not), toast, and anything else I wanted except for meats and sweets. I felt this strengthened my walk with Him.
This week, I am fasting for a multitude of reasons (actually, today [Sunday, 8/24/08] through Thursday, 8/28/08). For one, I agreed to fast after reading Jerry Golden's request for people to fast along with him and his family, for the safety of Israel and the U.S. There are also some other special requests that I would like to petition the Lord for. And I want Him to be pleased with me. Again, no meats and sweets, except at my supper meals; after supper, I will return to fasting until supper the next night.
There are no requirements in the Scriptures for how to fast or how long to fast, which is why Richard told me to work out the details between myself and the Lord. If you have a special need or desire, consider praying and fasting. Work out the details between you and the Lord. Give up something that is a sacrifice for you to give up. It doesn't have to be food that you give up; it can be anything that would be a sacrifice to you... play time, computer time, whatever. And when He has answered your prayer(s), be sure to thank Him and glorify Him for His goodness and His care for those He calls His Own.
Click HERE to read an excellent study by Diane Dew called "Fasting".