Day 6: SOME EXAMPLES OF FASTING IN THE NEW TESTAMENT
- katz4evr7
- Apr 19
- 2 min read
Fasting is a manner in which we seek God, earnestly repent of sins, and delve deeper into the presence of God. It should be viewed as a necessary discipline of abstaining from food for a period of time to focus on feasting on the Word of God to nourish and strengthen our faith. During our fast, there are some things that should be prioritized:
a) Prayer/Repentance
b) Meditation
c) Worship/Praise
d) Bible Study/Reflection
e) Spirit Led Witnessing
f) Ministry (Service)
g) Surrender
The interesting thing about our list is that these things should characterize who we are and how we live. A fast should help us to get closer to the Lord for Him to develop these traits in us.
I’ve listed 5 New Testament examples of fasting that will help us to appreciate fasting and inspire us to not only pray, but to fast and pray.
Anna fasted for the redemption of Jerusalem through the coming Messiah: Luke 2:37-38. – Her example is of a person who fasted for the redemption of a city. She is putting an entire group of people on her prayer list and believing God to bring about their salvation and redemption.
Jesus fasted 40 days before His temptation and the beginning of His ministry: Matthew 4:1-11. – Jesus demonstrates for us the importance of fasting to prepare for what we will face and to get ourselves ready for the work we’ve been called to.
The elders in Antioch fasted before sending off Paul and Barnabas: Acts 13:1-5. – The elders at the church in Antioch are an example of fasting that shows us the importance of seeking God for specific directions. As they fasted and prayed, the Holy Ghost revealed to them who to send on a missionary journey.
Cornelius fasted and sought God’s plan of salvation for himself, his family, and friends: Acts 10:30,44. – The example of Cornelius shows us the need to prayerfully fast for your family to be saved. In response to his prayers, God sent Peter to preach the gospel to him and his circle of loved ones.
Paul fasted three days after his Damascus Road encounter: Acts 9:9-12. – with the example of Paul, we see that it is necessary to pray and fast for clarity, understanding, and insight.
From the heart and hand of Pastor Reginald Reaves
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