Part 2: Different Ways of Fasting in the Bible

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Fasting is not about skipping meals for certain duration while watching TV, spending time in social media or engaging in some secular activities etc.,. But It is about surrendering ourselves completely to the Lord — Repenting for the sins and Spending time with the Lord in Prayer, Worship and meditating the Holy Word. 

Now that we understand what fasting is and why it is important, let us look at the different ways of fasting in the Bible, along with the powerful results that followed. 

Different Ways of Fasting in the Bible

  1. Short Fast (One-day or few hours OR 1-day Fast):
    In Judges, we see the Israelites fasted a day until evening for quick direction from God (Judges 20:26).
    As a Result  —     God gave them victory over their enemies.

  2. Complete Fast (No food, no water OR 3-days Fast) :  
    Esther and the Jews in Susa have fasted consistently for 3 days and 3 nights to seek God’s intervention to save their people. 
    As a Result — God saved the Jews and Haman was defeated (Esther 4:16)

  3. Partial Fast (Simple food like fruits, Vegetables & No water OR 21-days Fast): 
    Daniel fasted for three weeks, eating no rich food, no meat, and no wine, seeking spiritual understanding.(Daniel 10:2-3).
    As a Result  — Received Angelic visitation and spiritual understanding. 

  4. Extended Fast (Many days OR 40-days Fast): 
    Moses fasted for 40 days for God's direction and the convenant. 
    As a Result  — Moses received instructions and the covenant of law (Exodus 34:28) 

    Elijah fasted for 40 days for Divine encounter and revelation.
    As a Result, Elijah was renewed by God and God spoke in a still small voice (1 Kings 19:8). 

    Jesus fasted for 40 days to prepare Himself for ministry and to overcome temptations (Matthew 4:2; Luke 4:2).
    As a Result, Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, Faced the toughest temptations, performed miracles, shared the Gospel in Parables and news about him spread through the whole countryside (Luke 4:14). 

  5. Regular Fast (Lifestyle fasting):
    Anna (The Prophet), worshiped God Day and night, fasting and praying for Consistent spiritual growth.
    As a Result  — She saw the Messiah (Jesus) and testified about Him (Luke 2:37-38).

  6. Individual Fast (Personal fasting):
    David fasted individually for Personal repentance and prayers to be answered (Psalm 35:13).
    As a Result  — His relationship with God was restored and strengthened.

  7. Corporate Fast (Group / Church fast):
    After hearing Jonah’s message, The entire city of Nineveh believed God & fasted as a group for repentance and national breakthrough (Jonah 3:5).
    As a Result  — God spared the city from destruction. 

Many times, many questions arise within us and that may leave us at the stage where we feel, God is not there for me or God is not listening to my prayers. Before coming to that judgement - have we ever thought are we really fasting according to the scriptures which God wants ? Maybe you’ve even asked God, “What more can I do?”. 

Take that first step —  Don't overthink, Just begin your fast. Doesn't matter what type of fasting you do or how long you do but how you do & what you do during the fasting is what actually matters. 

Remember; 

  • Fasting without prayer is spiritual starvation —  not transformation. 
  • Fasting is about seeking God — not harming your body.  
  • Fasting is between you & God —  not Social media. 
Seek God with all you heart  & watch what He does in return. 

Thank you for reading. May God, who never forgets His promises, bless you through His Word and lead you in truth and peace.
"The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever."  (Isaiah 40:8)

Kannada, Telugu, Fasting/Lent,

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