FASTING AND FAITH

Before I get into today’s main topic, let me drop a word or two on the latest subject “making me (more?) famous” in the media - the closing of our High School. As any enlightened person would know, there is absolutely (repeat, absolutely) nothing for our Board to worry about, over decisions we have taken. We are well (repeat, well) within our rights, which the Concordat, the Education Act and other key regulations provide us, with respect to the removal of a principal on religious grounds, the welfare of our students and the scope of our authority. There is absolutely nothing new or strange in this regard with denominational schools.  We are a Board of Management/Education and we’ll carry out our functions as a strong, responsible unit, without fear or favour.  We certainly respect the “due process” but have big problems with “abuse of process”. 

It is well known that Pentecostals have suffered huge discrimination for ages. This compels us to be ever vigilant. Miracle Ministries High School will continue to be the beacon of class and excellence we have, by God’s grace, made it to date - without compromise! Now on to today’s topic. In the earlier part of the year, it is customary for many Christians to engage in fasting. Some do so during this 40-day period before Easter. The following thoughts may provide some light on the subject, as it relates to the faith of the believer - in keeping with this year’s theme, “Keep faith alive in 2005”. In Matt 17:20,21 Jesus rebuked his disciples for unbelief and remarked, “Howbeit, this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting”. The essential lesson from Christ was that fasting plays a key role in destroying unbelief and enhancing faith. 

The best fasting-faith example is our Lord himself. Jesus never did one day of ministry without fasting. Immediately He was baptised, He went into the wilderness on a forty-day fast (Matt. 4:1,2). He gave fasting top priority in His life and He attributed His awesome ministry to this practice. Satan conquered Adam and Eve after they, in effect, broke a fast in the Garden of Eden, by eating the forbidden fruit. He attempted to defeat Christ in a similar way. Paul, the greatest apostle that ever lived, “fasted often” (2 Cor. 11:27). The disciples were faithless cowards just before, and after, the crucifixion of Christ. After a ten-day fast and the infilling of the Holy Ghost in the Upper Room, there was a most remarkable demonstration of bold, daring and fruitful faith. 

King Jehoshaphat and his people proclaimed a fast when they heard that three armies had formed a military alliance, and were set to annihilate them (2 Ch. 20:3). After three days of collective fasting, Jehoshaphat and his people had a “quantum leap” from fear to faith, resulting in an incredible victory. Esther had a similar encounter, facing a massive conspiracy to destroy the Jews.  She too called for a three-day collective fast.  Fear turned to daring faith after the third day, as the anointing of God fell. Esther marched into the courts of the King “which was not according to the law” (Esther 4:16).  She gloriously prevailed. The Bible also says, “faith without works is dead...” (James 2:20). Faith and fasting must therefore be accompanied by corresponding action in order to be effective. Biblical models reveal this. 

Let me caution though, that fasting aids faith in the sense of crucifying the flesh and allowing greater freedom to the spirit.  Nevertheless, fasting must not be used as “a substitute” for faith or the Word of God. We must very carefully guard against extremes, and even fanaticism, in fasting.  Hearing, studying and meditating in the Word of God are critically important to your faith. So too is a righteous lifestyle. There are total fasts and partial fasts.  Both, used properly, in their correct place and context, can be equally effective. Daniel did a partial twenty-one day fast (“he ate no pleasant bread”) and destroyed the hold of the powers of darkness over his land (Dan. 10:3). Fasting can do more harm than good if it’s not done properly.  Here are some vital points to observe in fasting:

* Drink water
* Don’t fast too long - seek advice of a pastor and a doctor, where necessary. 
* Value benefits of partial fast.
* Be very careful if on medication or pregnant.  Seek doctor’s advice. 
* Don’t break fast with a big meal.
* Don’t break fast with drinks that are too cold.
* Don’t break fast with very oily foods, pepper, curry etc.
* Eat gradually, back to your normal meal size, after a fast that lasts for days or weeks.
* If sickness or undue discomfort occurs during a fast, seek the help of a doctor, along with pastoral counsel. 
* Don’t believe the more you fast, the more “righteous” or “powerful” you will be; use common sense.
* Fasting can play a leading role in restoring good health (“your health shall spring forth speedily in a fast” — Isa. 58:8) by removal of body toxins, and enhancing faith, but care must be taken, via wise counsel and guidance, in this process.