This week, the week before the fast, we’ve started corporately praying together on a conference call line every morning at 6:45 am. This week, the theme of our prayer has been preparation.
When I was younger I worked in restaurants. Part of my job before we opened the restaurant was called “prep”. This is where we looked at sales trends and based on that information we prepared food for that day. Sometimes it was cutting tomatoes or onions, sometimes it was filling cups of salad dressing. The truth is, if we slacked on the prep, the night shift would suffer.
Prep was about getting ready for what is coming based on what we know.
The same thing is true for a fast. There are certain things we know will happen as we enter into a season of fasting, and because of that, we can prepare. Below is a list of some pointers that you can use to help you prepare for your fast. Of course, if you have any questions, please contact one of the pastors of Discover Life Church and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you have!
If you are older or have health issues that you know about, please seek medical advice before entering into an extended fast. Your doctor may recommend a modified fast for you.
Decide how long you want to fast before you start. Once you have your goal set, let someone else know. When the fast starts you’ll have a goal.
Two days before the fast, we recommend limiting your diet to fruit and vegetables. Fruit is a natural cleanser and easy to digest.
Prepare yourself for mental discomforts: Impatience, crankiness and anxiety.
Expect physical discomforts: dizziness, headaches and different kind of pains. Headaches are not necessarily a sign to stop fasting. You’re body is working to cleanse itself of impurities.
Don’t boast about your fast (Matthew 6:18) – but don’t be super secretive when people inquire. If necessary, let them know you will not be eating. The bigger deal you make of it, the more attention you draw. Be discreet, be transparent, then move along humbly.
Do not fast. Period. See our resources and find a soul fast. A soul fast is a great alternative for pregnant or nursing mothers.
Even if you fail several times, God always extends grace (Romans 8:1). Hit reset and keep moving! Do not let your failure be used by the enemy.
Your office doesn’t normally buy donuts for meetings? They probably do now. Your favorite meals will be prepared. Take this as encouragement from the Lord to press in. You might feel increased emotional tension at home.
Satan tempted Jesus on his fast, (Matthew 4:1-11) and we should expect the same thing. Discouragement will come in, but stand on the victory of Jesus.
You will hear God’s voice in your study time, in your dreams, in visions and in revelations. There is a fasting reward (Matthew 6:18). Expect God to fellowship and communicate with you in many ways.
If you’re not hearing from God, do not listen to the lie that nothing is happening. Breakthroughs often come after a fast.
On a juice or water fast, your digestive system shuts down. If you eat too much too soon, it can be dangerous and painful. Break a water fast gently with several days of diluted, nonacid juice, then regular juice followed by fruits and vegetables.
This is excellent!!!