Why Fasting Attracts God: 2 Things You Should Never Do While Fasting

Summary

This video explores the concept of fasting from both a spiritual and practical perspective. It highlights the historical and biblical foundations of fasting, emphasizing its significance as a spiritual discipline. The video discusses various types of fasts, such as the absolute, normal, partial, and rotation fasts, and provides guidance on how to undertake fasting for the first time. It stresses the importance of fasting with the right intentions and in private, as taught by Jesus. Additionally, the video offers tips for planning and successfully completing a fast, encouraging viewers to deepen their connection with God through sincere prayer and discipline.

Takeaways

• 🍲 The human body is likened to a powerful engine that requires food as fuel to function, with hunger serving as a natural signal to refuel.
• 📅 In modern society, the norm is to eat three meals a day, with breakfast considered the most important meal for setting the tone of the day.
• 🙏 Fasting is a spiritual practice, distinct from dieting, often undertaken for religious or spiritual reasons, such as in the case of the Yom Kippur fast in Judaism.
• 📖 The Bible references fasting as a means to achieve spiritual goals, with Jesus instructing his disciples on the proper approach to fasting in Matthew 6:16-18.
• 🤔 Concerns about fasting include the fear of hunger, the challenge of endurance, and potential social stigma from not eating.
• 🙊 Jesus emphasized the importance of humility in fasting, warning against seeking public recognition for one's spiritual practices.
• 🤝 Fasting can be a communal activity, with benefits such as shared motivation, accountability, and collective celebration of the fast's end.
• 📝 It's important to have a clear purpose for fasting, which can be clarified by writing down personal reasons and goals.
• 🚫 Fasting is not simply about abstaining from food; it's about dedicating oneself to prayer and seeking divine intervention.
• 🏔 Fasting is compared to climbing a mountain, demanding both spiritually and physically, and should be approached with a clear understanding and preparation.
• 💪 Starting small with fasting, such as skipping one meal, is encouraged, especially for beginners, as it's a step of faith that God honors regardless of its length.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of food in the context of the human body as described in the script?

Food serves as fuel for the human body, satisfying hunger and providing energy, which is essential for maintaining life and the body's functions as part of nature's balance.

Why might someone choose to go hungry or fast in modern times?

Some individuals fast for various reasons, including weight loss, health reasons, or spiritual purposes. The script specifically mentions fasting for spiritual reasons as a practice found in religious texts like the Bible.

What does the Bible refer to as fasting and why was it practiced in the Old Testament?

Fasting in the Bible is a spiritual discipline where one abstains from food for a defined period to achieve a spiritual goal. In the Old Testament, fasting was practiced as a form of atonement and to remember the solemn experience of salvation, such as during the Yom Kippur fast.

According to the script, what did Jesus advise his disciples about fasting?

Jesus advised his disciples to avoid making a public show of their fasting. He instructed them to anoint their heads and wash their faces so that their fasting would not be obvious to others, emphasizing that the reward for fasting should come from God, who sees in secret.

What are some of the concerns people might have about fasting, as mentioned in the script?

People might be concerned about feeling hungry and experiencing painful hunger pains, enduring the fast, the perception of friends if they fast, and the potential impact on their daily routines or social life.

What is the difference between fasting as a spiritual discipline and dieting for health reasons, according to the script?

Fasting as a spiritual discipline is about abstaining from food temporarily to focus on spiritual needs and prayer, often with the aim of seeking God's intervention. Dieting for health reasons, on the other hand, is about managing one's diet for physical health and well-being, and it is not primarily focused on spiritual growth or connection with God.

What does the script suggest as a good starting point for someone who has never fasted before?

The script suggests starting with a one-day fast, such as skipping one meal, as a first step of faith. This allows the individual to experience fasting without overwhelming their body and mind.

Why is it beneficial to fast with a companion according to the script?

Fasting with a companion provides strength in numbers, accountability, and shared motivation. It can help individuals stay committed, discuss doubts and fears, and celebrate the victory of completing the fast together.

What are the different types of fasts mentioned in the script, and what are their characteristics?

The script mentions the absolute fast (no food or water), the normal fast (no solid food, only liquids), the partial fast (eliminating certain foods or drinks), and the rotation fast (introducing one new food group each day for six days after an initial fast).

How should one approach the decision to fast and choose the type of fast, according to the script?

The decision to fast and the choice of the type of fast should be based on several factors, including the individual's specific situation, the reason for fasting, comfort level, and timing. The script suggests starting small, matching the type of fast to the reason, and considering the individual's weekly schedule and any upcoming events.