Fasting can be a hot topic among Christians.
In my beginning years as a Christian, I’d received a teaching that so elevated fasting for “breakthrough”… or power… or supernatural encounters… to be blessed… and to demonstrate true devotion…that I literally got to fasting (no food, just water) two and sometimes three days per week…every week…and I would feel secretly guilty when I wasn’t fasting.
Truth be told, I had many awesome encounters with God during that time. Truth also be told, I’ve had many awesome encounters with God on days I eat three square meals plus a snack. I’ve had encounters with God WHILE eating, too. Go figure.
My last extended fast ended with a clear, unmistakable correction from Holy Spirit.
“I don’t need you to fast to give you power. I AM GOD! Food has no power to stop Me.”
I could almost hear Him giggling, “BRUHAHAHAHA! I AM GODDDD!”
I laugh out loud when I remember it now, and honestly, as serious as it was to my heart…
…(remember, I had been persuaded that fasting was a vital demonstration of my sincerity towards Jesus)…
…the words felt weighty…but light and freeing…
…because the God who spoke them promised to give me only a “yoke which is easy and a burden which is light.”
Immediately, I heard a new instruction in my heart: “I want you to fast from fasting.”
SELAH.
My dear friend and pastor, Dr. Eddie Summers, also author of the phenomenal 50 Shades of Grace, has a thought-provoking perspective on fasting. For some, it may tweak your take…others might just feel the same comfort and peace I felt when God wrecked everything I had been taught. Either way, I’d love to know your reactions. After you’ve read it, leave your thoughts in the comments box at the end! (just play nice)
Fasting in Exchange for a Blessing
By Eddie Summers
I find it very strange that people in the church keep reverting back to the law over the grace that Jesus bought us on the cross. So many Christians treat the gospel as though they were in a Las Vegas casino, putting in two quarters and expecting to get four in return, or if they play it just right, they just might hit the heavenly jackpot.
Every now and then, a “Good Christian” (or somebody working hard to be one) asks me this question: “How often do you fast?”
I don’t fast very often. I was raised in a very legalistic, performance-based culture. Fasting was something that we did to get God’s attention; or else we used it to bargain with God as if to say, “I’ll do this, and you’ll give me a blessing. I’ll go without food for (however long), then You (God) will answer my request.”
The “I do this, you do that” mentality is not how Grace works! Grace does not exchange my works for His work.
God’s Favor is a Gift
The Bible says that we are saved by Grace. That means we can’t work for our salvation, and if we can’t work for our salvation, then we don’t have to work to get our prayers answered, either. I find that many Christians today are fasting to “get” God to move on their behalf. You’re under grace! Whether in eating or drinking, works of the flesh only strengthen the flesh; but trusting and resting in God for provision strengthens you in the inner man.
Now don’t get me wrong. Fasting can be good. If you really want to do it, do it! But do it for the right reasons (cleansing your body, clearing your mind, etc.). Don’t use fasting to earn from God what He’s already given you as a gift. Whether by your works through fasting or anything else, you cannot “earn” more of God’s favor. The people tried and failed for thousands of years. He had to send His Son to finally put an end to it all. You belong to God. He gives to you because He cares for you.
God Provides Because He’s Your Daddy
If any of my three children needed clothes or school supplies, I couldn’t imagine saying, “Okay. If you don’t eat for one week, then daddy will follow through; but, if not, you’ll just have to suffer and do without.” I would never treat my children that way, and I don’t believe that God will treat you that way, either. My kids have their needs met because I’m their dad. I love them and want to give them everything they need to be everything God made them to be. God provides for you because you are His child. He loves you, and will supply all that you need, so that you can be and do all He has planned for you. I want to encourage you today: walk by grace not by works!
Discover Grace
I wrote a thorough devotional study on grace that just might set you free from the religion that’s hidden and mixed into most of the western church. Go ahead and grab it here. Or you can download a FREE excerpt now. You’ll enjoy it!
This guest post was written by Dr. Eddie Summers.
Hey, it’s Esse, again. I hope this has blessed you, even if it is skewering a few sacred cows. Leave your comments and questions below!