43 | Faithful Fasting: A Guide for Believers

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Are you curious about the spiritual practice of fasting? In this episode, we dive deep into the transformative power of this discipline, exploring its biblical foundations and the ways it can enhance your relationship with God. Fasting isn’t just about abstaining from food and it may not be about food at all; it’s an intentional spiritual journey that helps us focus on our connection to Christ.

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Episode Transcript

Paula Behrens (00:01):
Welcome to another episode of Bible Study
Basics for Women, where we delveinto the many ways of living on
purpose in Christ.
Today, we're delving into thetransformative spiritual
practice of fasting.
As a new believer, you may becurious about this discipline
and how it can deepen yourrelationship with God.

(00:22):
In this episode, we'll explorethe biblical basis for fasting,
its benefits and practical tipsto help you incorporate the
practice into your spiritualjourney.
Fasting is a practice that hasbeen observed by God's people
throughout history.
In the Bible we find numerousexamples of individuals and
communities fasting to seekGod's guidance, repentance and

(00:45):
spiritual breakthroughs.
Let's begin by looking at somekey scripture passages that
highlight the importance offasting.
In the book of Matthew, jesusspeaks about fasting, saying
when you fast, do not looksomber as the hypocrites do, for
they disfigure their faces toshow others they are fasting

(01:06):
Truly.
I tell you they have receivedtheir reward in full.
But when you fast, put oil onyour head and wash your face so
that it will not be obvious toothers that you are fasting, but
only to your Father, who isunseen.
And your Father, who sees whatis done in secret, will reward
you.
That's Matthew 6, verse 16through 18.

(01:29):
This passage reminds us thatfasting is not about outward
appearances or seeking theapproval of others.
Instead, it is an intimate actof devotion between us and our
Heavenly Father.
As Christians, it's essentialto approach fasting with a heart
focused on God and a desire todraw closer to Him.

(01:49):
Another significant passageabout fasting can be found in
Isaiah 58, verses 6 through 7,where God describes the kind of
fast he desires.
Isaiah speaks for God, saying,Is not this the kind of fasting

(02:20):
I have chosen, to loose thechains of injustice and untie
the chords of the yoke, to setthe oppressed free and break
every yoke?
Is it not to share your foodwith the hungry and to provide
the poor wanderer with shelter,when you see the naked, to
clothe them and not to turn awayfrom your own flesh and blood.
This passage challenges us toview fasting not merely as a
personal spiritual discipline,but as a call to action and
social justice.
As we fast, we should alsoconsider how we can serve and

(02:41):
love others, particularly thosein need.
Now that we've visited a fewscripture passages about fasting
, let's explore some practicaltips and considerations for
incorporating this practice intoyour spiritual life.
First, start small.
If you're new to fasting, beginwith shorter fasts, such as

(03:02):
skipping one meal or fasting forhalf a day.
As you grow in your fastingjourney, you can gradually
increase the duration.
Second, choose your fast wisely.
Fasting doesn't necessarily meanabstaining from food entirely.
You can fast from variousthings, such as certain types of
food like sweets or caffeine,or processed foods, or social

(03:35):
media and technology, or maybeentertainment TV shows, movies
or video games, or even negativethoughts or gossip.
Consider what God may beleading you to fast from and be
open to his guidance.
Third, set a clear purposeBefore beginning your fast.
Identify your specificspiritual goals.
Are you seeking guidance,repentance or breakthrough in a
particular area of your life?
Write down your intentions andpray over them throughout your
fast.

(03:57):
Fourth, spend time in prayer andmeditation.
Fasting is most effective whencoupled with increased time in
prayer and reflection on God'sword.
Use your fasting period to drawnear to God and listen for His
voice.
Fifth, stay hydrated.
If you're fasting from food, besure to drink plenty of water

(04:17):
to support your body during thistime.
Sixth, listen to your body.
If you experience any adverseeffects during your fast, such
as dizziness or severe headaches, consider modifying your fast
or ending it early.
God desires our well-being andfasting should never be
detrimental to our health.
Finally, seventh, keep afasting journal.

(04:41):
Document your experiences,prayers and insights during your
fast.
This journal can serve as avaluable resource for future
fasts and as a reminder of God'sfaithfulness.
As you embark on your fastingjourney, remember that it is a
personal and intimate act ofworship.
There's no one-size-fits-allapproach to fasting, so be open

(05:05):
to the Holy Spirit's leading andguidance.
For those of you who are new tothe faith, fasting can be a
powerful way to deepen yourrelationship with God and grow
in spiritual maturity.
It's a discipline that requiresintentionality, but the rewards
are immeasurable.
As you consider incorporatingfasting into your spiritual life

(05:25):
, I want to invite you to joinour Faith Building Club
membership.
This membership is designedspecifically for Christian women
who are new to the faith anddesire to grow in their walk
with the Lord.
The club is loaded with eightmonths of printable resources,
including prayer journals,devotional journals, weekly
Bible study lessons, a one-yearBible reading plan and so much

(05:48):
more.
These resources will help youcultivate a vibrant and thriving
relationship with God as younavigate your faith journey.
To learn more about the FaithBuilding Club and how it can
support you in your spiritualgrowth, look for the link in the
show notes.
I believe that this communityand these resources will be a
blessing to you as you seek tolive on purpose in Christ.

(06:12):
Now, before we close, I want toleave you with a few more
scripture passages to meditateon as you consider the
discipline of fasting.
Joel, chapter 2, verses 12through 13, says Yet even now
says the Lord return to me withall your heart, with fasting and
weeping and with mourning.
Rinse your heart and not yourclothing.

(06:34):
Return to the Lord, your God,for he is generous and merciful,
slow to anger and abounding insteadfast love and relents from
punishing.
Then Luke writes in Acts,chapter 13, verses 2 through 3,
saying While they wereworshiping the Lord and fasting,
the Holy Spirit said Set apartfor me Barnabas and Saul for the

(06:57):
work to which I have calledthem.
So after they had fasted andprayer, they placed their hands
on them and sent them off.
And in Acts, chapter 14, verse23 we hear, Paul and Barnabas
appointed elders for them ineach church and with prayer and
fasting committed them to theLord in whom they had put their
trust.
T hese passages remind us thatfasting is a profound spiritual

(07:24):
practice that enables us toalign our hearts more completely
with God's purposes.
When done with sincerity andprayer, fasting creates a space
in our lives for transformationand divine guidance.
It serves as a reminder of ourdependence on God's grace and
compassion, encouraging us tohumble ourselves and seek a
deeper relationship with Him.

(07:44):
As you go through this journeyof reflection and spiritual
growth, consider integratingsupportive practices like using
a biblical oil for anointing.
Essential oils such asfrankincense or cedarwood can
create a tranquil atmosphere,aiding you in focusing on the
inner work and divine connectionyou're seeking.

(08:04):
I personally like to put onedrop in the palms of my hands
and breathe in deeply, or youcan put one drop on the crown of
your head or on the back ofyour neck.
As we conclude this episode onfasting, I want to encourage you
to take some time to pray andask God if he is leading you to
incorporate this practice intoyour spiritual life.
Remember, fasting is not aboutearning God's favor or

(08:29):
manipulating him to answer ourprayers.
Instead, it is a way to drawnear to him, align our hearts
with his and experience histransforming power in our lives.
Let's close in prayer.
Dear Heavenly Father, we thankyou for the opportunity to draw

(08:49):
near to you in this very specialway.
As followers of Christ, we askfor your guidance and wisdom as
we seek to incorporate fastinginto our spiritual practices.
Help us to approach thisdiscipline with humility,
seeking your will above our own.
May our fasting be a sweetaroma to you, a way to deepen

(09:10):
our relationship with you andgrow in our faith.
We pray for strength anddiscipline to fast according to
your leading, and we ask foryour grace and mercy as we
navigate this journey.
Thank you for your love andfaithfulness and for the
privilege of sitting in yourawesome presence.
In Jesus' precious and holyname, we pray, and all of God's

(09:34):
people say Amen.
Thank you for joining us fortoday's show.
If you have any questions aboutthe biblical foundation of
fasting, prayer or anointingwith oil, or would like to share
your own experiences, I inviteyou to use the fan note texting
feature to send me a message.
Find the link in the show notesand get your question or

(09:56):
comments to us and I'll be sureto respond.
May your walk with the Lord beenriched with insight, peace and
a deepening trust in God'swisdom.
Okay, be blessed, and I'mlooking forward to seeing you in
the next episode of Bible StudyBasics for Women.
Until then, may your faith andlove for the Lord continue to

(10:17):
grow and flourish.