Jesus Fasted before He commenced His ministry – Matthew 4:1-2
Before the devil approached Jesus, Jesus, fasted for 40 days in the desert. After which he began His ministry here on earth.
From the examples above, you will note that these were renowned men and women of God. They were people who served Jehovah fiercely. However, because they were flesh and blood, just like us, they needed to tap into the Living Water for refreshing.
Here are a few reasons why people fasted in the bible, courtesy of Rock Church:
- In times of war: The Benjamites fasted and defeated the other Israelites. Judges 20:26
- Repentance: The King of Nineveh ordered the whole city to fast and repent. Consequently, they were forgiven of their sin. Jonah 3:5
- When facing danger: Ezra fasted as he prayed for wisdom and protection when he prepared the people to return to Jerusalem from Babylon. Ezra 8:21, 23
- Courage and Wisdom: Esther and the Jews of Shushan fasted when faced with their destruction planned by Haman. Esther 4:3,16; 9:31
- In times of grief: A seven-day fast was held when the bones of Saul and his sons were buried. 1 Samuel 31:13; 1 Chronicles 10:12
- In times of distress: David fasted after hearing that Saul and Jonathan were dead. 2 Samuel 1:12
- Ultimate denial of the flesh: Jesus fasted 40 days and 40 nights before being tempted by Satan. Matthew 4:2
- Spiritual Power: Jesus said this kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting. Mark 9:29
- Wisdom: Paul and Barnabas prayed and fasted at the appointment of elders for the churches. Acts 14:23
- Set aside self for holiness: Paul suggested that husbands and wives abstain from sexual relations to give themselves to fasting and prayer. 1 Corinthians 7:5
- Answered prayer: Cornelius fasted four days, after which time an angel appeared to him; consequently, he and his family received the gospel and were baptized. Acts 10:30-31
- Mourning: During his time of mourning, Daniel fasted three weeks, after which time he received a vision. Daniel 10:1-3
- Special revelation: Moses fasted for 40 days and received the law. Exodus 34:27-28
- Spiritual Recuperation: Elijah fasted 40 days after killing prophets of Baal. 1 Kings 19:1-9
Therefore, with this new knowledge, I am sure like me, you will embark on a new journey and understanding of what is required of us to help us endure as God’s children and servants here on earth. It is important that we endeavor to recuperate and fast properly when we become spiritually exhausted; or avoid the occurrence, entirely. It is important that we adopt the Christian lifestyle practice, of fasting and connecting frequently to the Vine.
God bless.
Meditate on God’s Word
Many Christians struggle daily to live according to God’s word. But we need daily nourishment. That is why it is important to read your bible daily; even if it is a few verses and meditate on them.
Get a copy of the daily devotional Be Encouraged.
More articles on Fasting:
- Christian Testimony 2014: February Facebook Fasting
- Christian Testimony 2014: February Facebook Fasting – Week 1
- Christian Testimony 2014: February Facebook Fasting – Week 2
- Christian Testimony 2014: February Facebook Fasting – Week 3, Day 2
- Christian Testimony 2015: February Facebook Fasting
- Christian Testimony 2015: 40 Days Fasting – Week 4
- Christian Testimony 2015: 40 Days Fasting – Week 6
- The Christian Life: Day 100 Spiritual Exhaustion & Why Fasting is Necessary
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About the writer:
Denise N. Fyffe is a published author of over 40 fiction and non-fiction books. She is also a trainer and mentors aspiring writers towards achieving their goals.
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Keep writing. I read all you wrote today.
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There are times when I have fasted with our church, or with someone else, or with my husband about things that have surfaced. I usually take time to seek the Lord over the new year coming, or over someone who has an illness that isn’t going away with praying, and touching. Sometimes, this kind doesn’t come out but by prayer, and fasting. I have faced those times. I am older, so I fast what I am given to fast. You are right on with your words. Thank you for writing. I come by, and find this blog. I happen to be here again. Smile.
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🙂 Rubie, It is a pleasure to see you again. Thank you for those encouraging words. I appreciate you sharing your experience.
I also recently did a fast and try to incorporate a fasting lifestyle because it is not an easy venture. I found it highly beneficially physically and spiritually and recommend that every Christian learn how to do so, being led by the Holy Spirit of course.
Drop by again. 🙂
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Since I am older, I partial fasted. I still am, and it may have to just be what I do for a long while. I believe God leads us to fast, and I have been off four things for a long while. My husband is off some things also.
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Thank you.
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I’m commenting more. I go off my fast at times, but this one has been like a plan for my life. I have lost weight, because of what I have chosen to fast, and not eat unless pressed into it. As of today, I gained back two pounds because of the holidays. I ate several things I couldn’t resist. I make Apple pie, and I tasted it. Smile. It has some flavor that I always put in it. I wanted to see if I did right. It was good. Too, good to be true, but I didn’t eat a second piece, I think. Maybe my husband served a piece, and then I had one the next day. At any rate the Apple pie goes quickly.
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Yes, tasty food is often irresistible. Unfortunately, I come from a culture where everything id too tasty. But, I am learning to resist so that I can be more healthy spiritually and physically.
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I have been off four things, and this has been 2 years of losing weight. I stopped, and let the weight go up. Now I am back to getting to a reasonable weight. I lack less than 10 pounds to reach my goal.
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Thank you. I try to be obedient and put out the content and share my experience. Your encouragement means a lot and gives me motivation.
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That is my gifting. I am an encourager. Smile. I taught school, and that is my gifting also. I believe the Bible from cover to cover, and I read it daily. This is my 6th time to read through the Bible this year, and it is one time more than my original goal. I read to refresh, learn, soak, and grow. I hide the Word in my heart, and He helps me when I need it to recall some of what I have read. I will finish again for this year, or early next year.
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That is an enviable goal. For me, while I dont natrually recount scripture, I more remember the stories and references. I soak in the whole thing like its a movie sometimes.
Do you find that every time or at least often the Holy Spirit reveals something different to you, when you go over what you read before? And you are like why did not I not notice this.
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The Word is living, and powerful. It is always refreshing to sit at my leisure, and read for me. I read for me, because my family notices if I haven’t read the Bible. In fact my son will ask if I have read it, if I am having a hard day. I find a quiet place at the dinner table, and there is no television or radio going. I sit in the quietness, because the dog is asleep, and the birds aren’t awake at times. I get up when I wake up at a reasonable time. Tomorrow I may be up earlier. It is awesome. I have always been a sleepy person, and then I stay up all day. I notice a difference when I can’t, or haven’t read. My son encourages me to read. I do. It is a passion, to know the Word. By His grace I am still reading!
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Someone told me there is a balance between the Word, and praying. I used to just pray. Now I pray, and read. It is awesome when the Word comes to encourage me.
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Yes, have you tried praying the Psalms? It is very powerful. Try it for a week, month…or as the Holy Spirit leads and watch what happens in your life.
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I am about to finish my Bible again. I read it all the way through. I have 8 more books to finish. I started reading Matthew today. I will finish it, and four Old Testament books. I have two more in the New Testament. The last books to read were my first ones to start this level. This is a hobby, that I take seriously. This year I wanted to read one more time than I did last year. This was a goal, and it looks like it might be a reality. Praise God. The Doxology is what I sing often enough to make it a favorite.
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