Living a Holyistic Life

FASTING: WAITING FOR ANSWERS FROM GOD?

BY MELISSA KESSLER, INHC, MA

You may think of fasting as a diet word, which makes sense because it’s all over the place these days: 8-hour fasting, intermittent fasting, five days of normal eating and two days of calorie restriction, alternate day fasting —the options go on and on. Many people follow one of these fasting plans for the purpose of “dieting,” or better said, to lose weight. That’s not what we’re talking about today. Instead, today I want to delve into fasting for the purpose of hearing from God. Let me explain.

Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. (John 16:24 NIV)

Before I fully understood what fasting and prayer were all about, I was trying out a raw food diet to see how it could help me heal some health concerns. A raw food diet means eating everything raw— vegetables and fruit, nuts and seeds; basically, the only things you can eat are raw. It was amazing, and not only did it heal me physically, but I began to realize Holy Spirit’s power was undeniably present. When you can’t eat much, it gives you plenty of time to speak to God. I had no idea this would happen by changing my diet.

Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! (1 Chronicles 16:11 ESV)

You know that feeling when someone walks into a room, and you can feel their energy? That’s what this was like. There was someone with me at all times; I almost felt like I was in a different place—maybe this was a peek into heaven. As I was following this raw vegan lifestyle, I noticed it wasn’t only healing my physical ailments but that my life, which needed much change, was also starting to look different. Having this powerful Holy Spirit presence was exactly what I needed. This may have been the first time I really understood what Jesus said in John 14:26: “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” (NIV)

Years later, after becoming a stronger Christian and researching fasting and prayer, I decided again to fast. This time, it wasn’t with health intentions but spiritual ones. And what happened was life-changing. My life needed answers, and giving up certain foods gave me space and time to be with God to find them. These answers didn’t come from the world or my controlling mind—they came from God Himself.

How do I know this? Because the answers I received were nothing I would ever have agreed to or decided on my own. God works in funny ways sometimes, but He is the only one who knows our paths. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:11-13 NIV)

Fasting to get answers from Him absolutely takes trust, faith, and consistency.

I’m sure you’re asking, How do you fast? For how long? Are you starving? or, What does this all mean? I know, because I had plenty of questions before I started doing it myself.

Instead of scaring you away, I want you to know that you can choose how you want to fast. The more you do it, the easier it gets to sacrifice things and foods you normally “can’t live without.” I’ll admit, I’ve always been that “all-in” kind of person, so when first starting, I went straight for only fruits and vegetables for 21 days. Again, don’t be scared—you can choose what you fast from.

Here are a few ways of fasting that many Christians follow:

> The Daniel Fast. This lasts 21 days and is a primarily vegan diet. (Daniel 10:3)

> A 3-day water and food fast (Esther 4:16)

> Fasting from all food during certain periods/days of the week (Luke 18:12)

> Eliminating Netflix, alcohol, fiction books, or social media. (John 15:2)

Fasting humbles your soul, as King David said in Psalm 69:10. As you fast, remember that more important than what you fast from is understanding the purpose behind the sacrifice. Fasting is all about removing things from your life that take your eyes off God and making extra space so you can hear Him speaking into your life.

Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:4 NIV)

Melissa is a wife and mom of tween and teen boys who are a huge inspiration in her life. She is a best-selling author and now leads retreats to help women find rest and stillness amidst the busy lives they live so they can experience a peace that surpasses all understanding. (Phil 4:7) She has been practicing holistic health for about ten years, practices Christian meditation, and lives according to the Word of God. Learn more from Melissa on all social media platforms @stillwellnessmeditation