Will you dare to believe?

in Mark 9:23-24 Jesus said:

“If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.”

The desperate father of the child who needed healing said with tears “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!”.

Let’s start this new year full of faith and belief!

What are you believing for? Write down three things this year you would like to believe for and let’s spend two weeks intentionally thanking God for his answer!

Fasting is a spiritual practice that builds our faith and belief!

Fasting is one of the most powerful spiritual disciplines I’ve engaged in my life.

My moments of greatest clarity and closeness to God have been when I fast. Some of the most amazing breakthroughs have come about because of a fast! As an added bonus, my body also feels at its healthiest after a fast.

The purpose of a fast is to intently seek God and his kingdom. To be spiritually potent, fasting requires prayer as well. Without prayer fasting is really just a diet!

As part of this journey I encourage you to engage with God on a new level. Every time you think of food, it’s a reminder that “man does not live on bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). Spend each day in a devotional time with the LORD. Each time you are hungry, thank God for His presence and power to perform miracles - and have a drink of water as well - hydration is really important!

I have a created a devotional here that may help you on the journey.

You don’t have to spend the full 14 days fasting to join us on this fast. You can do a shorter or longer period. If you are starting out, you may set a goal of 3 or 7 days. Or you may choose a different type of fast from the section below. I would love for you to choose to join us in any capacity you can!

Below are some resources to help you with the fast.

If you have a medical condition or medication, please consult with a doctor before deciding on which fast is appropriate. You should continue to take your medication unless advised by your doctor.

Let’s hunger together after Him!

Ps Nathan

The how and why of fasting

 

  • If you do not already know of the power and importance of fasting, here are some very important facts:

    Fasting was an expected discipline in both the Old and New Testament eras. For example, Moses fasted at least two recorded forty-day periods. Jesus fasted 40 days and reminded His followers to fast, “when you fast,” not if you fast.

    Fasting and prayer can restore the loss of the “first love” for your Lord and result in a more intimate relationship with Christ.

    Fasting is a biblical way to truly humble yourself in the sight of God (Psalm 35:13; Ezra 8:21). King David said, “I humble myself through fasting.”

    Fasting enables the Holy Spirit to reveal your true spiritual condition, resulting in brokenness, repentance, and a transformed life.

    The Holy Spirit will quicken the Word of God in your heart and His truth will become more meaningful to you!

    Fasting can transform your prayer life into a richer and more personal experience.

    Fasting can result in a dynamic personal revival in your own life—and make you a channel of revival to others.

    Fasting and prayer are the only disciplines that fulfill the requirements of II Chronicles 7:14: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

    If you fast, you will find yourself being humbled as I did. You will discover more time to pray and seek God’s face. And as He leads you to recognize and repent of unconfessed sin, you will experience special blessings from God.

    Here is a good resources form Jentzen Franklin on 9 Reasons to Fast

  • How to Begin

    Start with a clear goal. Be specific. Why are you fasting? Do you need direction, healing, restoration of marriage or family issues? Are you facing financial difficulties? Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance. Pray daily and read the Bible.

    Preparing Spiritually

    Confess your sins to God. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas of weakness. Forgive all who have offended you and ask forgiveness from those you may have offended (Mark 11:25; Luke 11:4; 17:3-4). Surrender your life fully to Jesus Christ and reject the worldly desires that try to hinder you (Romans 12:1-2).

    Deciding What to Fast

    The type of fasting you choose is up to you. You could go on a full fast in which you only drink liquids, or you may desire to fast like Daniel, who abstained from sweets and meats, and the only liquid he drank was water. Remember to replace that time with prayer and Bible study.

    Deciding How Long

    You may fast as long as you like. Most can easily fast from one to three days, but you may feel the grace to go longer, even as much as 21 to 40 days. Use wisdom and pray for guidance. Beginners are advised to start slow.

    What to Expect

    When you fast your body detoxifies, eliminating toxins from your system. This can cause mild discomfort such as headaches and irritability during withdrawal from caffeine and sugars. And naturally, you will have hunger pains. Limit your activity and exercise moderately. Take time to rest. Fasting brings about miraculous results. You are following Jesus’ example when you fast. Spend time listening to praise and worship. Pray as often as you can throughout the day. Get away from the normal distractions as much as possible and keep your heart and mind set on seeking God’s face.

    How to End

    Don’t overeat when the time comes to end your fast. Begin eating solid food gradually; eat small portions or snacks.

  • There are several types of fasting. The one you choose is between you and God. He will honour your best sacrifice.

    Full Fast

    Drink only liquids (you establish the number of days).

    The Daniel Fast

    Eat no meat, no sweets and no bread. Drink water. Eat fruits, whole grains, nuts and vegetables.

    3-Day Fast

    This fast can be a Full Fast, Daniel Fast or give up at least one item of food.

    Partial Fast

    A partial fast is from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm or from sun up to sundown. You can select from three types of fasting —a Full Fast, Daniel Fast or give up at least one item of food.

    Scripture References for Fasting:

    Matthew 6:16-18, Matthew 9:14-15, Luke 18:9-14

    Relation to Prayer and Reading of the Word:

    1 Samuel 1:6-8, 17-18, Nehemiah 1:4, Daniel 9:3, 20, Joel 2:12, Luke 2:37, Acts 10:30,Acts 13:2

    Corporate Fasting:

    1 Samuel 7:5-6, Ezra 8:21-23, Nehemiah 9:1-3, Joel 2:15-16, Jonah 3:5-10, Acts 27:33-37

    Remember that it is the attitude of a heart sincerely seeking Him to which God responds with a blessing (Isaiah 58, Jeremiah 14:12, 1 Corinthians 8:8). May God greatly bless you as you fast!

  • Steps to complete the Daniel Fast

    (adapted from JensenFranklin.org)

    Step 1: Be Specific

    Daniel was not vague in his objection to the Babylonian diet. He defined the problem immediately.

    The king’s food was against dietary laws.

    Daniel and his friends had vowed against wine.

    The king’s food had been offered up to idols/demons.

    Step 2: Fast as a Spiritual Commitment

    The Daniel Fast involves a spiritual commitment to God. “Daniel proposed in his heart that he would not defile himself” (Daniel 1:8).

    Step 3: Reflect Inner Desire by Outer Discipline

    Many people have an inner desire for better health, but they can’t discipline themselves to avoid junk food, and other foods that are not good for their health. The physical health you seek from God may be more than an answer to prayer. Your physical health can be linked to any of the following factors:

    Your food choices.

    The level of your spiritual commitment as reflected in constant prayer during the fast.

    Your time commitment. If you determine to fast for a certain time, keep it. For example, if you determine to fast 10 days, don’t stop on Day 9.

    Your testimony commitment. Your fast is a statement of faith to God that you want Him to heal your body, and faith is foundational to the Daniel Fast.

    Step 4: Pray for revelation of areas of your life that need repentance.

    Notice James 5:13-16:

    13 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16 Confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

    Some but not all sickness can be a direct result of sin in our life.

    Sometimes we give room to the enemy to rob our lives with sickness and disease through our own spiritual rebellion.

    Repentance allows God’s healing to pervade our spirit and flow in to our mind and body. Healing is often first in the spiritual then in the natural.

    Elders have a role in bringing healing and reconciliation into people’s lives but it also requires your participation.

    -> Sick people must desire to be well

    -> You must believe that God wants to heal you as well.

    -> forgiving one another is critical to allowing healing to flow into our life.

    Attitude is also important. James said, “are there any among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms.”

    God wants you to be healthy in every part of life, but he doesn’t always heal us in the order we prefer. Maintaining an attitude of gratitude will keep a right spirit within you (Psalm 51:10).

    Step 5: Fast as a Statement of Faith to Others

    Daniel was making a statement of faith when he asked for only vegetables to eat and water to drink, then dared the overseer to compare the appearance of the four sons of Israel with the young men who ate the king’s food.

    Step 6: Learn the Effects of the Food You Eat

    Why are some foods good for us, and other foods not? What does certain food do to your body? If we really knew, there would likely be some things we would never eat again.

    Step 7: Yield All Results to God

    Daniel said, “as you see fit, deal with your servants” (Dan. 1:13).

    FOOD GUIDELINES FOR A DANIEL FAST

    Daniel 1:12

    “Please test your servants for ten days, and let them give us vegetables to eat and water to drink.”

    Daniel 10:3 KJV

    “I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.”

    When going on a Daniel fast, or any type of fast, if you have questions outside of what Scripture says, prayerfully seek the Lord and be led by the Spirit for the specifics for your personal fast.

    There are many online ideas on foods you can eat while on a Daniel Fast - e.g - https://ultimatedanielfast.com/ultimate-daniel-fast-food-guidelines/