Throughout the scriptures are numerous examples of people who fasted to depict closer to God. When yous put your plate downward (fast), y'all are humbling yourself earlier God to seek His will. Fasting quickly reminds u.s.a. how much we need food and h2o to survive.  God is our Creator, and He has provided united states of america these essential needs on which we depend.  Going without them reveals how weak we really are.

The discussion of God is spiritual nutrient which Jesus Himself gives usa. He is "the breadstuff of life" (John 6:48) Fasting deepens our want for the "living bread" (John 6:51) and thereby improves our spiritual human relationship with God. Matthew 5:6 says

"Blessed are those who hunger for thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled."   When you lot deny the carnal man (mankind), the spiritual man longs for God and the things of God. (Romans 8:v – 8) "For those who alive according to the mankind set up their minds on the things of the flesh, simply those who live co-ordinate to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.  For to exist carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal heed is enmity against God; for it is not discipline to the police of God, nor indeed can be. Then then, those who are in the flesh cannot delight God".

Paul said in I Corinthians 9"27, "I keep under my trunk, and bring it into subjection:" The only manner to keep the flesh under subjection to to the spiritual human is to fast.  Crucify the flesh, impale the desire to satisfy the flesh and be alive to the things of God. Fasting, (denying our cocky of food and drink) brings about a humbleness of spirit thereby reminding the states of our need for God, and that it is God who sustains united states of america. As nosotros begin to hunger and thirst for righteousness, God increases in usa, growing our spiritual human. In other words nosotros get more aware and attuned to our need for God and as we draw nearer to God, He draws nearer to us.  (James 4:8a) "Draw nigh to God, and he volition draw well-nigh to you…")

Paul and Barnabas fasted and prayed for God's direction in choosing and ordaining elders for the early Church (Acts 14:23) Jesus Christ fasted 40 days to prepare for the start of His ministry (Matthew four:two) Fasting was the means by which they drew closer to God to seek His will. Afterwards Jesus has fasted 40 days He was tempted past Satan. He resisted the devils temptations, He said "Man shall live past bread lone, just by every word that gain from the mouth of God." (Matthew 4:4)

By denying ourselves food and water for a timer, fasting reminds usa we will die without concrete sustenance.  Likewise, we will die spiritually if we do non accept spiritual nourishment. Without spiritual food, the living Word of God, we will be cut off from God. Fasting helps u.s.a. realize our dependence on God for our physical needs and brings us a deeper appreciation of His Word.  Some situations but change when nosotros fast and pray. (Matthew 17:21) When the disciples could not heal the lunatic son, Jesus told them …this kind goeth non out just by prayer and fasting.  Fasting and prayer increases our faith in God, and nothing is impossible.

Evang. L. Parsons