The Practice of Fasting (Part 8)

Our fasting devotional today is the 8th and final part of our series titled "THE PRACTICE OF FASTING" from Richard J. Foster in his book "Celebration of Discipline".

Although the physical aspects of fasting intrigue us, we must never forget that the major work of scriptural fasting is in the realm of the spirit. What goes on spiritually is much more important than what is happening bodily. You will be engaging in spiritual warfare that will necessitate using all the weapons of Ephesians 6. One of the most critical periods spiritually is at the end of the fast when we have a natural tendency to relax. But I do not want to leave the impression that all fasting is a heavy spiritual struggle --- I have not found it so. It is also "righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit."

Fasting can bring breakthroughs in the spiritual realm that will never happen in any other way. It is a means of God's grace and blessing that should not be neglected any longer. Wesley declares, "...it was not merely by the light of reason...that the people of God have been, in all ages, directed to use fasting as a means:...but they have been...taught it of God Himself, by clear and open revelations of His Will...Now, whatever reasons there were to quicken those of old, in the zealous and constant discharge of this duty, they are of equal force still to quicken us." Now is the time for all who hear the voice of Christ to obey it.