Right Motives For Fasting 3

Isa.58v3-5: “Why have we fasted; they say, and you have not seen? Why have we afflicted our souls, and you take no notice? In fact, in the day of your fast, you find pleasure, and exploit all your laborers. Indeed, you fast for strife and debate, and to strike with the fist of wickedness. You will not fast as you do this day, to make your voice heard on high. Is it a fast that I have chosen, a day for a man to afflict his soul? Is it to bow down his head like a bulrush, and to spread out sackcloth and ashes? Would you call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the Lord?”

I believe you are enjoying this series of teachings on the right motives for fasting. One of the major goals is to ensure that our labors are not in vain and that we truly experience all that God has in stock for us in fasting. I pray that this will truly be your lot and portion in Jesus name, amen. So, what are the genuine reasons why you should fast as a believer?

1. Because the word of God says so. Your number one reason for fasting should be this. You are fasting because it’s scriptural and biblical to do so. As a child of God, you ought to fast because you want to honor God’s word or will (Jn.14v15). The word of God should be your greatest motivation to fast and the Scripture is filled with examples of people who fasted. For example:
   – The early church (Acts 13v2)
   – Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior (Matt.4v1)
   
2. Because you are led of God. The Spirit of God can lead or inspire you to fast. This is also a true example of a fast based on the right motive. This is why it’s also very important for you as a child of God to know how to hear from God. God can lead you to fast based:
   – On a proclaimed fast. This is a cooperate kind of fast that you partake of because you are a member of a group, fellowship, or a church. In this instance, God has already spoken to the leadership about such a kind of fast (2Chro.20v3).
   – On a personal fast. This is when God leads you specifically or personally to fast. His instruction is to you directly (Dan.10v2).

Dearly beloved, whichever way, the motive here is based on God’s direction and you need to partake in such kind of exercise whenever the opportunities arises.

3. Because you want to draw closer to God. This is one of the primary motives of a fast and this should be your motivation to fast. Do not forget that one of the essences of a fast is to abstain from food so that you can draw closer to God. You draw close to him in fellowship, word, worship, prayers, meditation et cetera. All of these avenues are to seek His face. This is why it’s so crucial for you to spend quality time with God whenever you are fasting as this is one of the right motives for fasting (Jam.4v8). As you seek His face, may you encounter His glory in Jesus name, amen.

Other Scriptural References: (Jonah 3 v 5; 1Ki. 19 v 8; Rom. 8 v 14; Lk. 5 v 33-35; Joel 1 v 14: 2 v 15)

Prayer for Today: Precious Holy Spirit, my heart desire is to know you more and to honor your word with regards to waiting on the Lord. This is my prayer and supplication in Jesus name, amen.

CONFESSION: My primary motive for fasting is to draw closer to you oh my God. I seek to know your more and more. I seek to obey your word day by day. I seek to obey your instructions to me day by day. Nothing will give me greater joy other than to bring you glory and honor through my fast. For this is my heart desire and pleasure and I know that I won’t be put to shame in Jesus name, amen.