When Ye Fast

Matthew 6:16

Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

One reason we don't see God do the miraculous is because so few believers pray and fast for the miraculous. It is not that God will not do the miraculous, but the reason God does not do the miraculous is because He does not see His people are serious about seeing the miraculous.

There are times in everyone’s life or ministry when fasting is needed. It is a time to fast when praying does not seem to get the answer needed. When you need something of great importance, that is a time when you should fast. When the disciples came to Jesus and asked why they could not do the miracle in the life of a man that He healed, He answered, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting. (Mark 9:29)

One reason so many believers do not fast is because they don't know how to fast. Jesus taught His disciples how they should fast. He said, when ye fast…. Jesus knew there would come a day when they would need to fast to see a miracle happen. Let me share some Scriptural guides on how to fast.

First, fasting is doing without food for a set amount of time. Fasting shows God you are willing to do without one of the greatest needs so that you can get a prayer answered. Going without food shows God you are willing to do without something that brings great so that He will intervene and answer a prayer. You will find when you fast without food that hunger will seem greater than normal. Fasting shows God you are willing to crucify the flesh to get the miracle needed.

Second, fast when the need is greater than normal. There are times when prayer is enough, but there are times when more than prayer is needed, and it is in these times when you need to fast. I don't believe you ought to make fasting a scheduled event you do every week because that takes away the purpose of fasting. Jesus makes it very clear that fasting should only be done when a greater than normal need presents itself.

Third, fast in private. The purpose of fasting is not for show to display how great of a Christian you are to others, but fasting proves to God how much you need a prayer answered or a miracle in your life. Fasting is not for public display, but it is to be done privately to prove to God your seriousness about the need you are presenting to Him.

Fourth, fast for a set amount of time. The shortest fast I see in the Scriptures is overnight fasting. However, this fasting also included a night without sleep so that Darius could pray. Most of the fasting you will see in the Scriptures is no less than a day without food. One day without food is a great accomplishment for most. There may be times you will go longer, but I think it is best to at least go one whole day without food when you fast.

Fifth, when fasting, pray when you normally eat or have a great desire to eat. The purpose of fasting is not to stop praying, but to pray more and to show God the seriousness of your need. Pray at your normal meal times, and pray when you really feel hungry; this will increase the fervency of your prayer when you are fasting. These guides will help you to fast and pray as God commands us to do.