God?s Purposes For Fasting
Please open your Bible and read:
(Matthew 6:16 – 18)
The purpose of fasting is to prepare us spiritually for God’s work in our lives. When we eliminate whatever distracts us and give Him our undivided attention, we begin to see things from His perspective. With the Spirit’s help, we will be able to identify the areas of our being that call for change – ungodly thought patterns, habits that need to be broken, misplaced priorities, and our daily schedule. The Lord uses fasting to do some “housecleaning,” and that is a good thing.
When our mind’s filter is clogged with ungodly thinking, we are unable to take in deep scriptural truth. Among the benefits of fasting are a clear mind and greater understanding of Scripture. An additional advantage is increased spiritual discernment about ourselves and others. We will have insight to see things that we may have overlooked before. Following our spiritual “bath,” God’s power will be released into our lives, and we will break free from the ungodliness that has restricted us. Greater intimacy with the Lord will also result. With our minds freed of clutter and our priorities straightened out, we will be in a position for God to pour out His fullness into us. Greater confidence and courage to do the Father’s will become ours as well.
Scripture warns us not to turn fasting into a public display or religious ritual as the Pharisees were in the habit of doing. It is to be a private experience – one that strengthens our relationship with God.
When was the last time you let the Lord “clean house”? He has the time if you are willing.
About the Author
This article was written by Charles Stanley. You can read more about this author by clicking this link:
http://www.talk.thelife.com/charles-stanley/
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