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Fasting for Clarity from God will help you get where you need to go. Have you ever had a critical decision to make? Do you ever need increased concentration to complete a task? Want to be free of a habit that is controlling you?
Fasting for Clarity from God is a Practice
We are called to fast as part of our spiritual growth. However, it is not talked about much anymore in church circles.
Fasting in the Bible comes in many forms. We see it in Esther when facing execution and have but one chance to change the King’s mind. We see it in Jonah when the people realize their sin and repent of their ways. And, we see it in Christ’s life as he prepared for His three-year ministry.
Are we commanded to Fast? Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:16 were, “when you fast.”
And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. -Matthew 6:16 NLT
In Acts 13:2, the believers are gathered and were fasting in the Holy Spirit. Maybe ‘commanded’ is too strict a term for fasting, BUT there is certainly evidence that it is a principle laid down for the believer in Jesus Christ.
The Purpose of Fasting for Clarity from God
There is a purpose in fasting.
- First, it is not so you can manipulate God. It must always center on worshipping God.
- Second, it reveals the things in your life that control you. It is interesting how many things come up while fasting for Clarity from God: anger, pride, jealousy, and fear to name a few. These negative things are the things to work through to be transformed more into Christ’s image.
- Third, don’t think that fasting means food only. Once God has revealed to you the things that control you, there may be many types of fasts He prompts you to do.
- Fourth, fasting helps to keep your life in balance. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 6:12 that, “all things are lawful . . ., but I will not be enslaved by anything”. Seek God diligently and expect Him to show up.
How We Practice Fasting
At first, fasting does require abstaining from food (at least at first). I recommend taking it slow and building up this new habit. Begin with a partial fast for six hours, then 12 hours. Lunch to lunch is best so that you are only missing two meals. Make sure to drink water as you give your body time to adjust. Do this once a week over several weeks.
Once you are adjusted, you can try a 24-hour Fast with just water. Only after this is well established should you go on to do a 36-hour fast and miss three meals.
During your fasting time, you should continually be thinking about God as you go about your daily routines. Make it a time of super-sensitivity to the Spirit. At the designated meal times, you should have something prepared to do. This can be:
- Praying for a specific situation,
- Meditating on a piece of Scripture,
- Reading a book of the Bible
Remember this important part. This is a time of reflection where God can reveal the things in your life that He wants to change.
Fasting Will Change You From the Inside Out
Believe me. You will change. There is a definite progression as you continue fasting for clarity from God over the weeks (and into months and years).
At first, it will feel like a great sense of accomplishment, and then it will turn into a means to overcome bodily desires. Then, when it transforms you into examining other parts of your life, watch how you begin to easily surrender things that are not important to success in your life.
Fasting will transform you into being all that God created you to be. Want God as number one? Fast.
I invite you to have a Clarity Conversation with me. Let’s get you doing what God has called you to do. Click here to access my schedule and set up your FREE session.
If you are looking for Clarity and Community with like-minded women, I invite you to look at my Calling Clarity program. In this program, we work together to put together the beautiful mosaic masterpiece that God intended you to be.
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