ABOUT FASTING

This article out of the Wycliffe Bible Encyclopedia is so complete; I believe nothing needs to be added.

Perhaps, there are other practical matters that could be discussed about fasting, but the ultimate truth is, that when God leads a believer into a fast, He will sustain the body through the experience. There is nothing to fear when it is truly God.

My only counsel is to use wisdom when ending a longer fast after the digestive system has shut down. One must use caution and gradually awaken the body to be able to assimilate food again. Read my journal about how I was led to end the 21 day fast.

FAST, FASTING. Fasting in the Bible implies total abstinence (q.v. from all food for a certain period. The length of the time varied from daylight hours (“fasted that day until evening,” (Jdg 20:26) up to 40 days, as in the case of Moses, Elijah, and Jesus. People fasted either out of necessity during a food shortage (Acts 27:21, 33–36), because of loss of appetite resulting from deep emotions (as Hannah and Jonathan, I Sam 1:8, 18; 20:34), or for religious purposes.

The Heb. words are sûm (verb) and sôm (noun)—not found in the Pentateuch. The corresponding Gr. terms are nēsteuō and nēsteia from a root meaning “hunger.” Other expressions used in the OT are “not eat bread” (I Sam 28:20; II Sam 12:17) and “to afflict one’s soul.” The latter is a phrase in the Mosaic law that may have included fasting (Lev 16:29, 31; 23:27, 32); et al), and signifies to lower or humble oneself by self-denial as a proper expression of repentance.

The origin of the religious practice of fasting is lost in the dim past, but this discipline was widespread throughout ancient religions. In food-gathering (as opposed to food-growing) cultures fasting was often compulsory owing to the uncertainty of obtaining food. Possibly superstitious ignorance interpreted the scarcity of wild grains, fruits, and game as an expression of the divine will, and so men began to consider fasting as a religious duty. Thinking that the gods were jealous of the pleasures of mankind, men perhaps assumed that abstinence would propitiate their favor. On the other hand, the natural inclination to forego food during the grief of bereavement may have caused fasting to originate as a sign of mourning.

Fasting first appears in the OT as a voluntary act of individual piety. Moses twice fasted 40 days and nights in the presence of the Lord on Mount Sinai, taking neither food nor water (Deut 9:9, 18; Ex 34:28). While food may have been unavailable, abstention from water during these periods was probably voluntary, for there is a small well or spring in a cleft 100 feet below the summit of Jebel Musa. Yet Moses must have been supernaturally sustained, because the human body cannot endure lack of moisture for so long a time. Under ideal conditions a human has fasted from all food for 90 days and survived, according to Dr. Herbert M. Shelton who has supervised, over 40,000 fasts (Fasting Can Save Your Life , Chicago Natural Hygiene Press, 1964, p. 57). It is not specifically stated that Elijah (I Kgs 19:8) and Jesus (Mt 4:2) drank no water during their respective 40 days fasts. That they could continue to be active and not become weakened is the remarkable aspect in their cases (cf. Ps 109:24).

On long fasts hunger usually subsides by the end of the third day and does not return until the stored food reserves in the tissue of the body are used up (“and afterward he was hungry,” Mt 4:2 RSV). This can take 40 days or longer; only then does starvation begin (Shelton, pp 15 23, 29–32). Before this stage fasting has many beneficial effects by permitting the body to secure physiological rest and be restored to health (ibid ., pp. 36–40, 48–52).

In most cases in the Bible fasting can be seen as a normal, voluntary result of the human state of mind. On his first prolonged stay on the mount Moses was too enraptured with the awesome presence of God, too absorbed with the divine revelations given him to want to eat. On his return he lay prostrate before God, heartbroken because of the rebellion of his people (Deut 9:18) The men of Jabesh-gilead and David mourned and fasted after bereavement (I Sam 31:11–13; II Sam 1:12; 3:35).

Fasting naturally seemed to reinforce the attitude of repentance and heartfelt confession, just as sackcloth and ashes did (I Sam 7:6; Ps 69:10–11; Jon 3:5, 8; Dan 9:3–5; Ezr 10:1, 6; Neh 9:1–2). After Elijah’s rebuke, King Ahab thus repented of his crime toward Naboth (I Kgs 21:27–29). Perplexity, fear, and distress likewise evoked similar response (Jdg 20:26; Est 4:3).

As an accompaniment of prayer, fasting often is something desirable to the godly man, not merely a matter of rigid self-discipline. During a fast one’s mental and spiritual faculties seem more alert and sensitive to God’s Spirit, and intercession seems easier, more effective. Thus David fasted while he prayed for his sick child (II Sam 12:16–23), and even for his sick enemies (Ps 35:13). Also Nehemiah fasted as he interceded for Israel (Neh 1:4–11).

The early Christians found fasting to be beneficial while seeking the will and direction of God (Acts 13:2–3; 14:23). During a three-week period of self-humbling and seeking to understand the future, Daniel ate no “pleasant bread,” i.e., delicacies, nor meat, nor wine (Dan 10:2–3). Such a non—total fast can be an effective aid to spiritual concentration and prayer. It may be advisable for those who must remain active or are too weak to endure a total fast.

God never seems to command His people to fast regularly, unless the “affliction of the soul” on the Day of Atonement includes fasting (Lev 16:29). The OT stresses rather the positive enjoyment of God and His blessings with gladness of heart (Ps 4:7; Prov 15:13; 17:22; Eccl 3:13; 9:7–9). God is not impressed with the act of fasting especially when it does not signify turning from strife and oppression (Isa 58:3–5). Instead, fasting is acceptable only if it eventuates in acts of social justice and true charity, only if the motive for self-denial is one of love and desire to help the poor (vv.6–11).

Nevertheless, in times of national emergency kings and spiritual leaders proclaimed special fast days to seek help from the Lord. When invasion from E of the Dead Sea was imminent King Jehoshaphat summoned all Judah to fast (II Chr 20:3). After the disasters of locust plague and drought Joel was ordered tohave the priests sanctify a fast (Joel 1:14; 2:12, 15), although he insisted that the primary need was inward repentance, to rend their hearts and not their garments (2:13). Jeremiah took advantage of a fasting day to have the words of the Lord read to the people (Jer 36:6, 9). Ezra proclaimed a fast to pray for a safe journey to Jerusalem (Ezr 8:21, 23). Queen Esther begged Mordecai and the Jews to fast with her three days and nights before she approached King Ahasuerus (Est 4:16). Later, a national fast in preparation for the observance of Purim followed this pattern (Est 9:31).

Four annual fasts had arisen during the Babylonian exile, but they were observed, apparently, without divine authorization. Through His earlier prophets God had already expressed His mind concerning mere ceremonial worship. The emphasis upon positive wholesomeness in fellowship with God is clearly heard in his declaration that the four exilic fasts would become “joy and gladness and cheerful feasts” (Zech 8:19; cf. 7:3–10; Jer 14:12).

The value of the discipline of fasting is pointed out frequently in the Jewish intertestamental literature, although no specific mention of the religious fast may be found in Qumran MSS published thus far. The Manual of Discipline states only that serious offenses could be punished by fining a community member part of his food ration (1Q S vi. 25). In the temple itself the Godly Anna served the Lord with fastings and prayers (Lk 2:37). The Pharisees made much of fasting and regarded it as a meritorious work. It became the custom of the pious to fast on Mondays and Thursdays (Lk 18:12). If a man began to fast, his fast took priority over making sacrificial offerings and was regarded as more efficacious than almsgiving. See See Festivals: Extrabiblical Jewish scared seasons.

Jesus never required His disciples to fast. The term “and fasting” is not found in the best Gr. MSS at Mk 9:29 (nor in Acts 10:30: I Cor 7:5); (Mt 17:21) is omitted entirely in the best texts. Yet while he denounced the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, He emphasized that fasting done in secret out of true devotion to God will be rewarded (Mt 6:16–18). He took it for granted that after His ascension His followers would feel the need to fast, even as John the Baptist’s disciples did (Mk 2:18–20). Whether Paul’s fastings were voluntary or resulting from lack of food (II Cor 6:5; 11:27) cannot be settled. The absence of any problem of fasting in Paul’s letters suggests that it was not a prominent matter in the Gentile churches. According to the Didache (8.1), Christians by a.d. 100 could be exhorted to fast twice a week—on Tuesdays and Fridays, however] In the 2nd and 3rd cen. the pre-Easter and pre-baptismal fasts came to be widely practiced.
Bibliography. Johannes Behm, “Nētis, etc.,” 1TDNT, IV, 924–935. Arthur Wallis, God’s Chosen Fast, Fort Washington, Pa.: Christian Literature Crusade, 1968.

A JOURNAL
21 DAY WATER ONLY FAST

November 18, 1981.
Have been feeling for many weeks, the leading to fast for an extended period of time. The longest fast previous to now is four days. I was not able to endure through the entire fourth day because of extreme pain and requirements for Ministry.

I know now that the time for a fast of at least 21 days is upon me. In fact, I thought I was to begin Monday two days ago, but at the end of the day I was encouraged of the spirit to eat and continue to eat for a few more days. I’m waiting for a specific date to begin.

I’ve been instructed of the Lord to tell others that I’m going on a fast in order to have their prayers and also to activate the power of confession. I have also been directed to cease from all personal one-on-one ministry and give myself during this period to prayer, study and writing.

Initial motivation through the spirit has been from a desire to see a greater anointing for ministry of deliverance. I am greatly concerned about the sometime difficulty of casting out spirits of oppressed people. I believe there must be a greater anointing where these things cannot be so reluctant.

November 20, 1981.
The purpose of the fast has become very clear:
1 - To lose the bonds of wickedness, and under the heavy burdens, and let the oppressed go free, and to breaking every yoke.
2 - For a greater anointing to see such.
3 - For personal breakthrough over the flesh, especially in the area of weight and energy level.
4 - For a clearer vision for fellowship and Ministry.
5 - That I may know him.

November 21, 1981.
Awoke this morning knowing that this is the day to begin the fast. As I met with the elders and a situation in the church came to light, I realize even more that today of them is God’s timing. The working of a Jezebel spirit is at it again, and in addition to the previously given reasons for the fast, the Lord will also bring deliverance to the fellowship of the workings of the enemy through the influence of this spirit.

I felt no hunger or so particular weakness today. I did have some times of feeling cold, which I didn’t expect to happen this soon. Already I feel a drawing near to his presence and a pulling away from TV and other distractions. There is an inner excitement about the days ahead and what the father has in store. Praise the Lord!

November 22, day 2
This second day passed without much discomfort. Felt some coldness and have had periods of weaknesse, but was able to minister from the pulpit both morning and evening.

Have felt, at times, a certain detachment from everything around me. Have had no hunger or even desire for food.

November 23, day 3
Had an excellent day. For the first time felt some hunger or desire for food, but was able to go to the grocery store with Linda and out for a meal at a cafeteria with the Hammonds and abstain.

I feel someone is praying for me because my energy level has been so high. There are moments of dullness and weakness, but, all in all, very little effects.

Drinking only water and noticing a reduction in waistline and puffiness around the face.

November 24, day 4
Coming now to the end of the fourth day, it seems almost eventless as far as reactions of the body and impressions of the Lord are concerned. Have been able to put in a good day spending almost half of it running the printing press and counseling. The energy level continues to hold and there are few side effects physically.

There seems to be very little coming from the Spirit. I feel no great spirituality or even spiritual motivation. I am now at a point of having fasted longer than ever before in my life.

Will continue to wait before the Lord.

November 25, day 5
Today has been a trying day in several ways. The level of strength has been up and down more than ever. There has been a feeling of depression and emptiness, cause almost lostness. I’ve had feelings of not caring about spiritual matters, in fact, there have been moments of feeling revulsion and pushing away from people. Their needs have irritated me to no small degree. There is an experience of being without the spirit - a hollowness.

Perhaps, I am being stripped to expose some of the secrets of my heart.

Since this is the day before Thanksgiving, food has been most evident. There have been moments of hunger and desire for food. A spirit of idolatry has been revealed to me. It seems my flesh is mourning because of not being able to have the gratification of food and knowing that I can never go back to its old ways of the gluttony and lack of discipline. Something is dying.

During the meeting tonight as I was speaking, I began to see how I was judging what I was saying by reading the response in the people. What a revelation! I’ve done this mostly all along. Seeking to please - still wanting approval and success that comes with that. I pray that this leaven to will be purged from me and that I can began to speak a pure Word of the Lord. That I can be a vessel he can use and trust to follow his perfect will, speaking only what He wants.

As this day closes, I’m still somewhat amazed at what is happening. It is not anything like I expected. But I know something will break forth out of this. I know I’m in His will in this, and I am determined to see it through in His strength.

November 26, Day 6
Thanksgiving Day
What a challenge to serve the food, smell it, watch everyone eat. But there is a resolve that strengthens me knowing that this fast is ordered of the Lord.

It’s been difficult to be sociable, mainly because of weakness. I have just not felt like being around people. Even when sitting with others, there is it tendency to withdraw and not say anything. It’s an effort to talk much.

It was an encouragement to have Charles and Yolanda Wilson talk so glowingly about fasting and say that they know that this fast is very important. They came by this evening to visit and look at the house to consider renting it when we move.

I give thanks to make it through another day. I’m believing that the turning point will come tomorrow. I just felt that it will. Everyone says there’s a point were your energy begins to return and you can just go on and on.

Nothing particular from the Lord today. Still waiting for this too. It will come.

November 27, Day 7
Strength is beginning to return today. There have been some moments of weakness, but feel better today. My body has reduced in many areas such as my face, waist and even my fingers.

Today has been an experience spiritually in discernment. Everywhere I’ve turned today I’ve had a eyes to see the evil and ungodliness that we are all in. I’ve wondered how God can love is like he does being as we are. So many that are deceived and caught up in the Devils ways. We are saturated with witchcraft and occult, and it is unrecognizable to most, even Christians.

November 29, Day 9.
Yesterday brought, for the first time, some strength. The energy level remained almost all day, but I was tired in the evening. We were in a workshop all day with the Hammonds.

Today began well, but at the end of the morning service there came a real sinking time and a painful backache. After a good afternoon rest, I was refreshed, and the strength remained throughout the evening until after midnight.

There’s been an attitude of lassitude about the church. There have been periods I have felt as though I have no more interest in the work of the Lord. I would just like to give it up. It seems boring and redundant. This must be the subtle attack of the enemy upon my mind.

There’s a feeling that the Lord is holding back any revelation as a test of endurance, because he wants me to complete this fast with my face set like flint.

Some most trying moments have come as I have taken the Hammonds and Linda to eat. Food still looks greatly tempting. I’m looking forward to the period when the interest in food is gone. The breath is still foul and the urine heavy, but the skin continues to take on a new glow and texture.

Tonight God brought forth an answer to one of the purposes of the fast. Through a word from Ida Hammond, given during the evening service, the Lord clarified our vision. Basically, the word was that our church is to be considered as a receiving station. He will send many from far and near for ministry. We are to minister to the whole man, physically, mentally, emotionally as well as spiritually. They will come and go, but we must not consider them leaving as a failure. Some will stay. He has called us to be different than other churches. We must not compare ourselves or try to be like them. We are to be different by his purpose.

What a blessing it was to the people to hear and receive this word!

Thank you, Father for hearing my petition, and for continuing strength for this fast.

I might add that I am resisting pride because of how much better my body looks. It is a great feeling to begin to be slender again. Thank you Lord!

November 30, Day 10
Awokel to a visit by Frank, and Ida prior to their departure. Linda and I both receive some deliverance.

We were led into prayer and warfare for our daughters. God has revealed to Ida some things about the girls that should prove to be a real breakthrough.

Spiritually, I continue to feel “flat.” The energy level has remained good most all-day, and also the allure of food is beginning to wane.

This evening, I’ve had to fight depression and heaviness. It has been strong to the point of discouragement.

I’ll trust Him and continue to wait upon Him. No quitting now.

December 1, Day 11
This has been a difficult day. Weakness has lingered all day. Even as I prayed in the Spirit, it was difficult. Attempted to get some exercise by going out for a little shopping, but it took a lot of effort just to walk. There must yet be poisons coming out of my system for this to continue.

The craving for food reared up this evening to the point of depression, but there is victory in His strength.

The breakthrough will come.

Read a disappointing book by Kenneth Hagin about fasting. He does not agree to lengthy fasts. In fact, he does a somewhat distorted treatment to the Scriptures regarding fasting—especially in the Old Testament.

I’m glad that I had just previously read Derek Prince’s book on fasting. I know that I’ve been led of the Spirit into this fast. I will still endure and be patient. He is a rewarder of those that diligently seek Him.

December 2, Day 12
A much better day. Awoke early this morning and realized that all appetites of the flesh were absent. There has been a peace today and no desires—no agitations or distractions. For the first day the thought of food is almost repulsive.

This has been the first day that I have felt somewhat of a breakthrough in praise and prayer, and also the first time I’ve really been able to get into the Word.

The energy level has remained constant today, even throughout the Wednesday evening teaching and prayer. There is still a coating in the mouth and a foulness of breath. I’ve been drinking several glasses of water each day. To date have lost almost 20 pounds.

December 3, Day 13
A good day. No periods of weakness at all. Have been able to do some physical labor in preparation to move. Have had no hunger at all.

Praise the Lord, for the strength. There is still a weaker motivation for things spiritual. The hunger and drive to pray and study is at a low level. Perhaps, too much of my appetites have left. I pray for a renewal of hunger and thirst for Him and all the aspects of his spirit.

Soon!

December 4, Day 14
Began this day in prayer with Linda. Another day of more energy and strength, although when I walk very long, my back begins to hurt across the midsection.

This evening, while sitting with the family watching TV, I had a real hunger attack and the thought came to give up and end the fast. One more week seems like a long, long time.

I’m still puzzled why I don’t feel more spiritual. I just don’t. Yet I know that I’m walking in the Lord. The thought came earlier today that maybe we are more influenced by the chemistry of our body than we realize. Foods, especially, have various effects on our mind and moods. Without the influence of the chemicals of food, perhaps we settle down to the true, pure emotions or attitudes. Maybe no work of the Lord should depend upon motivations of the flesh, and its emotional nuances. This might be what true faith is all about—just acting upon his word.

Perhaps, from this perspective, we can better discern something from the Spirit because of the retarding of the emotions?

Regardless, it has been a season of little stirring and of walking, by what I’ve might call, a cold faith.

Have I prayed enough? I haven’t been in the word enough. I haven’t wanted to. I know this will change.

December 5, Day 15
Was able to do some heavy work today. Still not up to par strength wise, but was able to keep a steady pace all day.
My spirit man still remains quiet and retreated. Tomorrow, being Sunday, I have little anticipation for the services, in fact in some ways I dread the hassle. I can’t understand why I feel as I do. If this is a normal part of an extended fast, it is not anything like I expected. Evidently there are no immediate or present spiritual rewards. Maybe this is why the devil waited until Jesus hungered before he came to him.
My hope is, that having been led here by the Spirit, I can go out in the power of the Spirit like him.
December 6, Day 16
A good day! Ministered with a good anointing in the Word. In the evening service ministered group deliverance. The energy seemed to come supernaturally.
The morning teaching tied in with the fast as I talked on how to overcome the world, and I dealt with the temptations of Jesus. The people have responded positively about fasting.
A realize that the word given to the church through Ida Mae Hammond instructed us to minister to the whole man. That includes the physical body. The Lord is already showing the way for this.
Praise the Lord, for the strength for today. I didn’t even take an afternoon nap as usual on Sundays. Weight now is 202 pounds.
December 8, Day 18
Yesterday brought a day with plenty of energy for an active day. Lost almost 3 pounds after Sunday’s Ministry. This indicates that it is more strenuous to minister then do physical labor. After Saturday’s full day (of physical labor), I only went down 1 pound.

Today I felt as though I could go without food indefinitely. In fact, in some ways I have hesitancy about breaking the fast come Saturday. It seems there’s so much to be accomplished yet. Is it complete in the spirit?

As I came away from a brief time alone in prayer this evening, within an hour I had completely lost the victory by overreacting to my daughter. I realize now , just as Satan came to Jesus at the end of his fast, he will be coming more intensely at me the next few days. Also, we will be leaving in the morning for Louisiana for three days of Ministry.

I realize that pride is attempting to enter in, if it hasn’t already. As I pray, my mind wants to think about what I’ve been doing to deserve the anointing to flow rather than having the faith in the Lord Jesus. I renounce this!

Another revelation has come to me also: the Lord has revealed in me a fear of giving out the Word to any kind of correction or judgment. Yet, I know that the time is come for this kind of prophetic ministry as never before. Eli was judged because of this in I Samuel 2, where he honored his sons above God when he would not correct them. God is setting my priorities straight. Fear of confrontation must go. Love is correction as well as compassion. But love is not condoning or compromising. It is certainly not in tolerating sin.

Although I believe I could easily extend this fast beyond 21 days, the Lord has impressed upon my heart that to do so would be disobedience. He instructed me to fast 21 days. Not 22 or 20, but 21 days.

I’m believing for continued victory with the food challenge. I will never be the same again. This body is for my spirit man to rule and a direct through the Holy Spirit, and it shall be so.

There has been a surprising attack of hemorrhoids. Also today, I’ve had feelings of diarrhea all day. The stomach has felt soured. I don’t know what this could mean.

Praise his name for strength and victory.

December 9, Day 19
Travel to Alexandria Louisiana for seminar today. The day’s drive was pleasant.

As I taught and preached in the evening service, I noticed the lack of reserves strength behind my voice. It was difficult to get very loud to stress a point unless I mustered all that I had. All of this must be God’s timing. He kept detaining me on the starting day of this fast, until finally he directed me to began on November 21. That made the last three days of the fast coincide with the three days of the seminar.

So here Linda and I are in Alexandria, Louisiana as this experience in the Lord draws to a climax. Last night’s meeting was intense as the people listened and received. I’m expecting this meeting to increase and for God to do something tremendous since timing it like He has.

The Lord has shown me that thehemerroidal problem as been due to the relaxation of the intestinal tract, causing pressure on the lower abdominal floor. He also instructed me for the first time to use a medicine. I was directed to a medicine called preparation H, and found that it has no chemicals—only shark liver oil. In other words, it is a natural medicine. It is easing the discomfort.

Praise his name!

Also, as I woke early this morning I was quickened to meditate on the experience of Daniel, Jesus and Paul as they fasted. In no case, is there any indication they received anything from the Lord during the fasting. It was after the fast and that the breakthrough came.

December 10, Day 20
A good day here in Alexandria. Met for lunch with Albert Willis and his son Barry, Ron Breaux and Howard Varnado. We, Linda I, Ministered this afternoon to a family and then went into the evening service.

The teaching anointing was good and followed with some good deliverance. The energy level stayed good all day.

December 11, Day21
Completed a good day ministering with a powerful anointing during the final evening service in Alexandria.

During the final part of Ministry, the Lord gave a powerful prophecy to the church through me. A young hippy looking man came into the services during that time and began to disrupt the Ministry. Eventually he had to be expelled from the building.

As the pastor and family, Howard Varnado, two other families from the church, Linda and I went out for refreshments, the Lord quicken me to break the fast by having them join me for communion after midnight.

Praise the Lord!

December 12.
Drank diluted orange and grape juice today. Could not take very much at a time. There’s still no real hunger. Still weakness in some dizziness when arising from a reclining position.

Still no feeling or evidence of spiritual breakthrough. Everything still feels the same except for the hemorrhoids, which have been worse.

(Added notes)
As I gradually ended the fast with juices and light foods, the one outstanding experience was the new taste of food—everything tasted so much better and several items I liked, like coffee, tasted terrible. The sensitivity to taste was greatly enhanced, thus satisfaction and fullness came more quickly.

Sad to say, the body of flesh retaliated from the threat of starvation by beginning to store reserves of fat like never before. It is much easier to gain weight after a fast due to the rebound effect. Fast are no a good way for weight loss.

(Endnotes)
1 cf. confer (compare)
RSV Revised Standard Version
i.e. id est (that is)
E east
MSS manuscripts
a.d. anno domini (in the year of our Lord)
cen. century
TDNT Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, Kittel