Posted on 06/03/2025 12:21:55 AM PDT by metmom
“‘But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face so that your fasting will not be noticed by men, but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you’” (Matthew 6:17–18).
Jesus’ statement “when you fast” indicates that fasting is normal and acceptable in the Christian life. He assumes His followers will fast on certain occasions, especially in times of testing, trial, or struggle.
Fasting is appropriate during times of sorrow. On occasions of deep grief, fasting is a natural human response. Most people don’t feel like eating at those times. Other things that motivate fasting have included overwhelming danger, penitence, and the receiving or proclaiming of a special revelation from God. And fasting often accompanied the beginning of an important task or ministry.
In every scriptural account, genuine fasting is linked with prayer. You can pray without fasting, but you cannot fast biblically without praying. Fasting is an affirmation of intense prayer, a corollary of deep spiritual struggle before God. It is never an isolated act or ceremony or ritual that has some inherent efficacy or merit.
Fasting is also always linked with a pure heart and must be associated with obedient, godly living. This is the attitude that will motivate the one fasting not to attract attention to his deprivation and spiritual struggle. Fasting is not to be a display for anyone, including God. Genuine fasting is simply a part of concentrated, intense prayer and concern for the Lord, His will, and His work. Jesus’ point is that the Father never fails to notice fasting that is heartfelt and genuine, and He never fails to reward it.
Ask Yourself
Has fasting ever been a part of your life and relationship with God? If so, what have those experiences taught you about Him . . . and about yourself and your need for Him? If you’ve never actually participated in fasting, what might be some appropriate times and ways for you to practice it?
From Daily Readings from the Life of Christ, Vol. 1, John MacArthur. Copyright © 2008. Used by permission of Moody Publishers, Chicago, IL 60610, www.moodypublishers.com.
Studying God’s Word ping
Apologies if I shouldn’t ask this here. It’s just that I don’t know how to start a new thread.
I’m having a real crisis of faith. It’s serious.. I’ve been a Christian for 37 years, and now to doubt scares me terribly.
Maybe fasting and prayer would help me? Do you have any book suggestions?
Thank you in advance
What do you doubt?
I just sent you a private message.
I don’t think you’re alone in going through something like this at all.
Prayers up.
I read the news story of two year old Kristin Salem. Her father murdered her in 1999 by dousing her in gasoline, then setting her on fire. It is estimated that Kristin crawled 10 feet before she collapsed and died. The agony that baby suffered in her last moments just breaks my heart. I have a two year old granddaughter and can’t fathom her being done how Kristin was.
To answer your question, I doubt God, and why he would allow that to happen. I doubt my own salvation because as a Christian I should feel forgiveness for Kristin’s dad, but when I read he’s been found dead in prison, I hoped that he’s in Hell and it’s burning especially hot for him.
I’m sick over my doubt of God because He has always been my anchor. How unhappy and disappointed He must be in me.
By beholding we are changed. If we look at the negative and horrific, we will feel as you do. This is not to say don't know about it, think about it or even avoid it (impossible in todays times) but we should spend much more time studying the life of Christ and meditating on that. It is by clinging to the Master rather than gazing at the storm which will calm us.
A good study book on the life of Christ is a good place to start. Prayer every day (even several times a day) is necessary. Only when these feelings of despair have eased should one think about fasting. What you are feeling is normal. It is human. You need to find a way to connect with the superhuman powers of God. Your hurt is His beacon to come to Him because we are all heavy laden with the evil in this world. Only He can lift us up to be free of despair.
We are also guided in Philippians 4: 8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
I guess this is a basis for the power of positive thinking.
If you are judging God, who created both Herod and Kristin's dad, then you don't fear Him enough. You don't have to forgive the child murderer, just pray that God does and be satisfied by His perfect eternal justice.
Matthew 18:6
But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
I think every believer goes through times of doubt. Just read some of the Psalms - there were many “dark nights of the soul”. But what I have learned is true beyond doubt is that when we draw near to God, He draws near to us. He promises this over and over in Scripture. He IS faithful. When these trying times come, and they will come especially if we are wanting a deeper relationship with God, just keep praising Him, praying to Him, seeking Him, honoring Him with your life and that’s how we draw near to Him. It’s through faith that we please Him.
I’ll pray for you.
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