Here are some common fasting misconceptions
Remember the purpose of a fast is to know God, not to impress him with your abstinence or self-control.
In fact, it is in the face of temptation that you should bury yourself in worship, sermons, studying the word of God, prayer, it’s not easy but it is necessary. Remember Proverbs 24:11.
Don’t worry, we’ll leave you to check it. Some of us are trying to keep YouVersion streaks.
Myth #1: You Can’t Ask God For Help
For some reason, when we are tempted to give up, we start to scold ourselves for being weak, get discouraged and then give up. The truth is you are going to be weak and tired.
Even Jesus was hungry and that’s the point. God wants you to ask him for his help and strength when we have exhausted yours.
This practice of relying on God’s strength builds your trust in Him because he always supplies you. But only those who are light and surrendered will be easily carried by God.
Think of Isaiah 40:31. Now think of an Eagle. Will it soar higher if it has a full belly and is heavy or when it is lighter? Food may give it strength to flap its wings but why use the energy to flap when it can rely on the wind to carry it?
This is what happens when you fast. You rely on God.
Myth #2: You Can’t Tell Others You’re Fasting
You’re not sworn to secrecy during a fast. If someone offers food, you can explain politely that you’re fasting, you can’t eat now or you’ll save it for later.
You don’t have to lie (which is sin that God hates) because you’re trying to fast. It won’t be Christ-like to waste people’s food, money and/or efforts.
For example: If you’re on retreat with boo, he’s probably not mad that you told people you’re travelling just in case they are trying to reach you but it will get weird when you start carrying it on your head and telling everybody.
Same applies to the fast. Just remember your motive and keep it humble.
Myth #3: We Fast To Bend God’s Will / Get Him To Do Something
This one is quite popular but unfortunately a little misguided. Fasting is not primarily a way to accelerate your prayer. The main purpose of a fast is to be intimate with God and improve your relationship with him (to consecrate yourself in his presence).
The end result of this is that you begin to see and hear more clearly in the Spirit. This can then direct you in taking steps towards decisions in the physical realm.
Remember, fasting is more about the relationship rather than the problem, else you risk looking like that friend who only comes when they need something.
Myth #4: If you eat in the middle of your fast, it has been cancelled
You have to ask yourself what is being cancelled here. The relationship between you and God? The streak you’re trying to impress him with or the blessing you want from him?
If you forgetfully eat a spoon of rice or a biscuit, God is not going to retrieve his blessings from you. Who are you serving? Cause that one is sounding like all those wicked lecturers to us o.
God is not a tyrant. If you made a mistake, he knows. Just put away the food and continue your fast, no need to cancel the whole thing because you mistakenly ate a sandwich for breakfast.
If it helps your conscience you can add an extra hour or two to your scheduled breaking time.
Myth #5: You can only fast with food
Whaaat! Remember fasting is about giving up things that please you or seem indispensable and refocusing that energy and time with God. You might have heard of social media fast.
If you live in the 21st century, then you know from the days you’ve binge-watched a series, overnight, that social media and entertainment can be more pleasurable than food not to talk of time-consuming.
This is a good alternative for people who may have digestive conditions preventing them from fasting like ulcers, those on medications, and even women who feel weak and lightheaded during their periods.
You can also fast off specific foods as Daniel did. If you’re a junk food addict, sugary foods, fast foods and baked goods are a good sacrifice.
That said, there are no hard and fast rules to fasting, we just wanted to highlight some ‘rules’ or practices that were not mentioned or enforced in the bible.
Ultimately, listen to the Holy Spirit about what type of fast you should embark on and how restricted He wants it to be. The main goal is sacrifice for intimacy.
What’s one rule you’ve heard about fasting? Let’s know in the comments.
#SoulAndSpirit provides enlightenment at the intersection of spirituality and religion. This edition highlights some not so accurate opinions you might have heard about fasting.
