Benefits From Fasting
Did you know that there are many benefits to fasting?
However, there is one benefit that affects us emotionally, mentally, and physically. And it is that fasting ushers us into the presence of God.
When we practice the art of fasting, especially in our desire to draw closer to the Father, He blesses us with riches that create kingdom impact.
Run the Race
The natural cause and effect of pursuing God through spiritual practices are that we will naturally gain Kingdom benefits: the crown at the finish line.
"Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air."
1 Corinthians 9:24-26, NKJV
As a mom of many children who played sports, countless times I watched them train and exert pressure on their bodies so that they could play excellently. The competitions, nationals, and championships were prevalent, but so was their desire to win.
In this passage, and in the same way, Paul uses the analogy of runners. He describes the intentionality it takes to win the reward or the gold. Yet, oddly enough, this earthly medal is temporal and will fade away.
Subjection to the Holy Spirit
In verse 27, Paul goes on to say, "But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified."
Paul has learned to train his body under the subjection of the Holy Spirit. And we, too, can learn to do the same. For example, when we fast, we tell our bodies when and what we are or aren't going to eat, which aids in bringing our physical bodies under control.
So many of us go through our day giving in to our cravings.
Ice cream. Soda. Salty snacks. Mindless eating.
Yet, partnering with God and giving Him full permission to guide us can help curb the desires of our flesh.
A dear friend of mine, Reverend Gail Bussell, knows this all too well. A while back, she got so gravely ill when her blood sugar levels reached alarmingly low levels. During this health scare, she realized she needed to make some changes and get things back under control, so she began to partner with the Holy Spirit and told her body what she was going to eat instead of the other way around.
Her body would say, "I want a Coke," and she would respond with, "No, you don't; you want water."
Her cravings would insist, "I want cake, "and she would respond, "No, you don't; you want broccoli."
And instead of giving in to things that were ultimately harming her, she began to verbalize and set boundaries around foods that promoted well-being.
I saw her recently, and it blew me away. Similarly, I believe when people see you, and if you're obedient in fasting under the Holy Spirit's subjection, others will notice because there will be something different about you!
Progression – Start Small
When you begin fasting, you don't want to overexert yourself, but start small.
When my grandson, RJ, was learning how to walk, he began by rocking, followed by crawling. And from there, he started walking on his knees. I remember my daughter-in-law being so frustrated that he wouldn't walk as he should; however, over time, and with practice, he began to walk on his own two feet!
Just as it takes time for babies to learn how to walk, our fasting practice will improve with practice and progression. So give yourself grace and permission to stay at a certain level for as long as you need.
What does gradual progression mean? Very simply, it means you start slow.
Begin with a partial fast or a small restriction on one meal, such as swapping out one weekly lunch for a smoothie or juiced vegetable. Practice this method for a few weeks and reassess.
Then, when you're ready, add another variation. Skip lunch and dinner, and remember to have some quiet time with God for one of those meals.
It will take some time – but enjoy the process and delight in your time with God.
Before you know it, you will find that fasting allows you to continue doing what you usually do; however, life will take on a different meaning. God will be near as you draw near to Him, and He will reward you at each mile as you seek the prize at the finish line.