Discipline of Fasting

The topic of focus is the spiritual discipline of fasting, continuing a series on being devoted to spiritual disciplines.
This follows previous discussions on being devoted to prayer (using the acronym Praise, Repent, Ask, and Yield) and the discipline of reading God's word.
Fasting is presented as a means to achieve three specific spiritual states:
- Greater Focus: Seeing God with clearer attention.
- Greater Dependence: Seeking God as the primary source of reliance.
- Greater Devotion: Increasing commitment and love for God.

It is not a method for proving one's spirituality to others or to God.
It is not a tool to make demands of God, as if God is obligated to move because a person chose to fast.
It is not intended to push individuals into unhealthy physical or psychological practices.
It is not a merely traditional activity centered on the first 21 days of January; it is a discipline meant for use throughout the entire year.

There are acknowledged medical reasons why some individuals cannot fast from food.
Advice for medical concerns: Seek wisdom and counsel before undertaking a food-based fast.
Alternative Fasting: If food is not an option, individuals should identify other areas that consume their lives or hearts. Fasting is about who you are becoming and seeking, not just what is being given up.

Verbatim Definition: Biblical fasting is the voluntary abstaining from food, and in some cases, adding in legitimate pleasures (such as social media, YouTube, and Netflix) for a period of time to seek God with greater focus, dependence, and devotion.
The mechanics of fasting involve humans naturally depending on food and water. When these are cut out, the physical hunger serves as a trigger to seek God for a deeper spiritual dependence.
Fasting vs. Dieting: One can perform a 21-day juice fast or intermittent fasting for worldly/health reasons without ever seeking God. Fasting for the Lord is distinct because of its spiritual aim.
Biblical Instruction: In the scriptures, Jesus says "When you fast," not "if you fast," establishing it as an expected discipline for the believer.

What is currently competing for my affection, attention, or dependence that I need to surrender to God?
What has become something I run to for comfort, satisfaction, or escape more than I run to God?

Complete Water Fast: Consuming only water.
Partial Fast: Restricting certain types of food.
Daniel Fast: Usually involving vegetables and water, based on the biblical account of Daniel.
Juice Fast: Consuming only fruit or vegetable juices.
Intermittent Fast: Abstaining from food for specific windows of time.
Media or Digital Fast: Abstaining from technology, social media, or entertainment platforms.

According to $2\, Samuel\, 24:24$ , the speaker emphasizes: "I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord, my God, that cost me nothing."
Fasting should be costly; it is not meant to be easy. For example, offering God a "fast of salad" because you dislike hamburgers is not a true sacrifice.
The goal is to offer one's best because God has already given His best.

God warns through Isaiah (Isaiah 58) that people often act pious, attending the temple daily, yet their hearts remain unchanged.
Characteristics include:
- Playing church: Attending out of habit or for the checklist without seeking a relationship.
- Lack of Power: Having the appearance of godliness but lacking actual power.
- Externalism: Looking like a good Christian on the outside while being spiritually dead on the inside.
- Wrong Motives: Fasting to impress oneself, others, or to manipulate God.
- Oppression and Conflict: Continuing to fight, quarrel, and oppress workers while fasting. God states this kind of fast "will never get you anywhere with me."
- Performance: Bowing heads like "reeds bending in the wind," wearing burlap, and covering oneself in ashes just to look humble.
- Somber Appearance ( $Matthew\, 6:16$ ): Looking miserable to ensure others know you are fasting. Jesus says such people have received their reward in full.

True fasting starts with repentance (turning away from self-centered ways toward God).
It is fueled by devotion rather than just discipline. Discipline without devotion is compared to working out in a gym aimlessly with no goal.
The fruit of true fasting includes practical actions:
- Freeing the wrongly imprisoned.
- Lightening the burdens of workers.
- Letting the oppressed go free and removing chains.
- Sharing food with the hungry.
- Providing shelter to the homeless.
- Giving clothes to those in need.
- Not hiding from relatives who need help.
Fasting is described as "beholding someone more satisfying" rather than just giving something up.
Quote from John Bevere (The Fear of God): "We are changed by what we behold."

Fasting restores the awareness of God's presence. When seekers call, God replies, "Yes, I am here."
Scriptural promises from Isaiah 58:
- Salvation will come like the dawn.
- Wounds will heal quickly.
- Godliness will lead you forward.
- The glory of the Lord will protect you from behind.
- The Lord will guide you continually.
- Provision: God will give water when you are dry and restore your strength.
- Transformation: You will be like a well-watered garden and an ever-flowing spring.
- Impact: You will rebuild deserted ruins and be known as a "rebuilder of walls" and a "restorer of homes."

God focuses on changing what is within a person before changing what is around them.
If a person's character is not ready, they may destroy the promise God hands them. Fasting serves to form the person to steward the blessing.
Young Adult Testimony: A recent seven-day fast by young adults led to diverse results; some saw miracles and healing, while others simply knew God more, which they felt was enough.
The greatest reward of fasting is not what God does for you, but what God does in you.

The challenge: Engage in a fast for 1, 3, or 5 days this week.
The object: Surrender pride, self-sufficiency, and distractions to discover God's heart.
Seeking the heart of God ensures one will always see His hand, even if His hand moves in sovereign ways that differ from personal desires.