HOW TO HAVE A SUCCESSFUL AND POWERFUL FAST, PART II

How to fast safely:

God never did the extraordinary with people that did the usual. We are responsible to take our relationship with Jesus further. WE must stir ourselves up in the Lord, as David did and fast and pray.

Fasting is about the condition of the heart, not the number of days…start slowly. Fast for one meal a day, one day a week, one week a month, a partial fast or even a Daniel fast (Refraining from foods one might otherwise enjoy. Daniel refrained from the King's delicacies, ate vegetables and drank water).

Fasting is about denying yourself of something you would usually do in order to focus purposely on the Lord. Some people should not do a dietary fast, it just does not work because of medical reasons, pregnancy, lactating, etc. Everyone certainly can give up TV, Internet, Books, hobbies, ect. for a certain time period; something that means something to you. A chosen fast is just that: giving up something in your life to create a void that you fill by spending time with God.

In any fast, the believer should pray and discern which things they will and will not partake of.

How to prepare yourself spiritually:

• Examine your heart and detect any unconfessed sin. Ps.66:16-20 tells us God requires His people to repent of their sins before He will hear their prayers.


• Confess any obvious and less obvious sins. Some less obvious sins may be: selfishness, unwillingness to share your faith, not spending enough time in the word and in prayer, poor relationship with your spouse, pastor, etc.


• Develop a daily habit of heart-examination and continue throughout your fast.


• Make a list of clarity you are seeking or goals for your fast.

How to prepare yourself physically:

• Speak to a doctor, if necessary.


• You will find it helpful to begin by eating smaller meals before you abstain altogether (this will trigger your mind, stomach and appetite that less food is acceptable). Resist the urge to have that “last big feast” before the fast.


• Prepare your body by cutting out sugars and caffeine the day or two before. This will help avoid headaches.


• Drink lots of water