Why Should We Fast?
SPIRITUAL REASONS:
- It is God-initiated (Zech. 7:5)
- Jesus set an example for us (Luke 4:2)
- It is a powerful weapon against the enemy (Matthew 4:2-4)
- To receive answer to prayer (Ezra 8:23)
- To seek God's face & walk closer with Him (Joel 2:12)
- To break oppression (Isaiah 58:6)
- For healing and good health (Isaiah 58:8)
- To receive divine revelation, guidance or an answer to a specific problem (Daniel 9:2-4 & 9:21-23)
- To learn how to resist temptation (Matthew 4:2-11)
- For spiritual discipline/obedience (Psalm 35:13)
- To change God's mind (Jonah 3:5-10)
- For repentance (1 Samuel 7:6)
- It pleases God (Isaiah 58)
- For breakthrough (Isaiah 58:9)
- To release to God our heavy burdens (2 Samuel 1:12)
- For humility (Deuteronomy 8:2-3)
- Intercession for another (Daniel 6:10-24)
- To help cope with monumental difficulties (Acts 27:21-25)
- For restoration (Nehemiah 1:3-9)
PHYSICAL REASONS:
- To cleanse the body of toxins
- To lose weight
- To rest the digestive tract
- To establish self control over our bodies
- To slow the aging process
- To eliminate chronic fatigue
- To sleep better