DOCTRINE & THEOLOGY BY PHIL SCOVELL

FRUITFUL FASTING

Phil Scovell

By Phil Scovell

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CONTACT INFORMATION

Phil Scovell
840 South Sheridan Boulevard
Denver, Colorado 80226-8017
Toll Free: 888-936-0001
Voice: 303-936-2188
Fax: 303-936-1841
Email: Phil@RedWhiteAndBlue.ORG
Web: WWW.RedWhiteAndBlue.ORG

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FORWARD
INTRODUCTION
THINGS TO CONSIDER

PART I THE PURPOSE OF FASTING
DISCIPLINE
DISCERNMENT
DELIVERANCE

PART II THE PRINCIPLES OF FASTING
CONVICTION
COMMITMENT
COMMUNION

PART III THE PRACTICE OF FASTING
PERSONAL
POSITIVE
PRUDENCE

PART IV THE POWER OF FASTING
WORD
WITNESS
WORSHIP

PART V THE PROMISES OF FASTING
REWARD
RECOGNITION
RELATIONSHIP

PART VI THE PRODUCT OF FASTING
OBEDIENCE
ONENESS
OPPORTUNITY

TECHNIQUES

CONCLUSION

FRUITFUL FASTING

Phil Scovell

FORWARD

Often I have heard confessed by those who have fasted for
prolonged periods of time "There's nothing to it. After the
first two or three days, hunger isn't
even a problem." It has never been true for me. I have never
enjoyed fasting nor found it easy. As I write this, I am
concluding the last two days of my second twenty-one day fast in
less than sixteen months. I find the last two days just as
discomforting and difficult as the first. "Then why do it?" As
you will see, there are spiritual benefits to be gain by fasting
in the proper way. "Easy?" No! "Fun?" Nope! "Convenient?" Are
you kidding? "Worth it?" Yes and amen! "Should I do it?" I
trust the balance of this booklet will answer that question for
you. If you plan to fast, be sure to bear spiritual fruit by
following God's Word.

INTRODUCTION

Over the years I have fasted on numerous occasions for
various reasons; but I never liked it. When the Holy Spirit,
therefore, began urging me to consider a twenty-one day fast, I
quickly dismissed the idea as fleshly. I fasted once, as a young
preacher, for ten days; but that was many pounds and years ago
and the results had been negligible. How could I now
successfully fast for twenty-one days? After more than three
months of deliberation, I was convinced that it was truly the
leading of the Holy Spirit and thus submitted myself to the
leading of the Lord and prepared to favor God for twenty-one days
without food.

Picking up the telephone, I called two friends in the
ministry, and requested prayer. I had three major problems:
First, "Was this really of God?" Until being filled with the
Spirit in August 1982, I had lived my Christian life primarily by
rule and regulation. I did not now wish to be fooled by my flesh
for the purpose of self-glory.

Secondly, my attitude was poor. I had always fasted before
to obtain greater spirituality; thus to be more acceptable to
God. Additionally, I had always needed something from God and
fasting seemed to be a good arm-twisting exercise to get God's
attention.
Thirdly, "Could I do it?" I had many good reasons why I
could not successfully negotiate, spiritually or physically, a
twenty-one day fast. I had failed many times before at fasting;
setting a one or two day goal and never achieving even the first
few hours without diving into a bag of potato chips and fishing a
burrito out of the freezer to toss into the microwave. Plus, I
was over weight! In fact, I was more than sixty pounds over
weight! Surely God could not, would not, place my life in
jeopardy by asking me to fast.

To complicate matters, there seemed to be no real reason for
the fast. Sure! I had lots of personal needs worthy of God's
consideration, in fact, I was facing some of the most spiritually
difficult times of my entire Christian life. Somehow, though,
my problems did not seem related to the fast. Then, of course,
there was the most prominent, certainly the most legitimate,
reason why I should be excused from this fast; "I did not want to
do it!" All of these concerns I shared with my brethren and less
than a week later, I began my fast.

THINGS TO CONSIDER

There are some important things to think about before you
begin a fast of any length: For what are you fasting and why?
How long will you fast; Until you receive an answer? What would
be your attitude toward God if, after the fast, your prayers are
still unanswered? What happens if you break your fast
prematurely? Do not even consider a lengthy fast until you are
certain of the answers to these questions.

For most Christians, fasting is like the dedicated swimmer
who runs out to the swimming pool and leaps in without ever first
testing the temperature of the water. In many cases, without
proper spiritual preparation, you may discover the pool has been
drained for cleaning.
PART I

THE PURPOSE OF FASTING

Like most, I generally fasted for all of the wrong reasons.
I either wanted to be more spiritual or I was in desperate need
of a miracle from God. I even secretly hoped I could testify,
brag, some day of my great accomplishments for God through
fasting. Fasting, without Scriptural knowledge of its true
nature and purpose, is nothing more than a glorified diet; and a
mighty poor one at that.

DISCIPLINE
Fasting has been an ancient form of discipline common to all
religions since the world began. It is generally practiced by
Christians and nonchristians alike for the same reason: To bring
the physical body into the spiritual subjection of the human
spirit. For the Christian, however, the human spirit has been
regenerated, (recreated), and made compatible with the nature of
God and has been given the Holy Spirit to dwell within this newly
created human spirit as an administrator of the nature and power
of God. (See Tit. 3:5-6).

Jesus was questioned in Mark 2:18-20 by those who were
concerned that the disciples of John and the Pharisees fasted
while the disciples Of Jesus seemed to ignore the practice.
Jesus replied to these inquiries that there was no need for His
disciples to fast because He, the Bridegroom, was still with
them. When He was departed, then they should fast. Thus, Jesus
taught that fasting was for His disciples and was to be practiced
as a discipline until His return.

The Old and New Testament terms for "fasting" are simply
translated (without food). Fasting, therefore, is going without
food as a form of physical discipline in light of the Lord's
return. It is a discipline of love for the Lord and a desire of
His fellowship and for the purpose of spiritual edification. It
is a physical expression of a spiritual desire.

Jesus also taught on what our attitude should be when we
fast in Matthew 6:16-18:

Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a
sad countenance: For they disfigure their faces, that
they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto
you, they have their reward. But thou, when thou
fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face. That
thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father
which is in secret: And thy Father which seeth in
secret shall reward thee openly.

Until this instruction was given by our Lord, fasting was
harsh and dramatic with the wearing of sackcloth, going unbathed
and unshaven for days, and lying in beds of ashes. Jesus taught
that we should fast with dignity. It is to be both personal and
private and practiced without public recognition.

DISCERNMENT

Scriptural evidence for the purpose of fasting seems to be
mainly for discernment and spiritual insight as well as direction
from God. This was certainly the case with Daniel upon
concluding his twenty-one day fast recorded in the tenth chapter
of the book of Daniel. The angel of the Lord which appeared to
Daniel was an answer to his prayer because he, Daniel, had
"Chastened" himself before the Lord; (Dan. 10:12). Moses, on two
occasions, stood before the Lord for forty days without food as
he received the ten commandments as well as other related
instructions concerning the governing of the children of
Israel.Esther likewise fasted for wisdom and guidance to prepare
the way to go before the king to request her people be spared.
Clearly, therefore, fasting is used in Scripture by those seeking
spiritual discernment in matters of grave importance.

DELIVERANCE

Daniel was informed by the angel that he had been dispatched
as soon as Daniel had begun to pray. The angel confessed,
however, that he had been inhibited for three weeks by Satanic
forces. He finally received assistance from Michael, a chief
archangel, (Dan. 10:13), which then made it possible for him to
gain victory and thus to appear before Daniel.

Jesus also fasted for forty days and nights and was tempted
of the Devil in the wilderness according to Matthew 4:1-11. So
severe was the Lord's spiritual conflict with Satan that angels
from Heaven were sent to minister to Him following the fast.

Another indication of spiritual activity in the supernatural
realm as a result of fasting is found in Matthew 17:14-21. A
demon possessed child was brought before the Lord for
deliverance. The Lord's disciples had already tried to cast the
demon out earlier but had failed. They questioned the Lord
afterward as to the reason why they were unable to do so. Jesus
responded that they could have done so if they had only believed
but He added, however, that "this kind goeth not out but by
prayer and fasting."
From these three examples, it should be evident that
fasting, for some unknown reason, has a definite effect in the
spirit realm. Ephesians 6:10-18 also confirms spiritual warfare
occurs when we pray. Thus as Christians, when we fast, we need
not only to be aware of the spiritual activity which takes place
but we also need to be spiritually prepared. There should be
little doubt that Daniel's fast somehow made spiritual forces
come into play for his benefit as he sought the truth concerning
his people. Would the same results have been possible without
his fast? It is unlikely. Some demons are likewise unable to be
cast out without the aid of prayer and fasting together. Fasting
therefore is a tool; which, when associated with prayer, will
place one into the supernatural realm with power and authority.
Fasting must therefore be considered serious business and should
not be practiced without prayerful consideration and the
knowledge of Scripture. We should never forget that our Lord,
when tempted by the Devil for forty days, always answered with
God's Word. Satan was even commanded by our Lord to "Depart" by
the authority of God's Word. Thus, know the word if you plan to
fast.

PART II

THE PRINCIPLES OF FASTING

The principles of fasting are not physical in nature. It is
not the number of days chosen to abstain from food nor whether
one decides to drink water or not. The principles, rules, are
spiritual and thus Scripturally discerned.

CONVICTION

A conviction is a belief. More literally, it is what you
believe. Jesus said, when questioned by His disciples about
their inability to cast the demon out of the child, it was
because of their "unbelief,"( Matt. 17:20). They simply did not
believe. What do you believe about fasting and what do you
believe will happen when you fast? If you are uncertain, do not
consider fasting.

A Biblical conviction is something to be lived by. It is
that which is decided upon because it has been Scripturally
proven. This is when the knowledge of God's Word plays an
important part. Without knowing the Word of God, convictions are
not possible. The promises of God's Word are given that we might
be established even in our daily life: (II Peter 1:3-4). If His
promises are unfamiliar to you, fasting will be harsh and
unproductive. If you feel unprepared to fast because of a lack of
familiarity with Scriptural promises, refer to my little booklet
entitled:
"God's Three Steps To Answered Prayer." I have written this
booklet with an easy-look-up format which allows the reader to
choose by subject the various promises needed when petitioning
God. Biblical convictions can only be settled upon through the
knowledge of God's Word and you must believe God before
attempting a fast.

One further note on the subject of Bible convictions. There
is a difference between a personal practice, something done as a
routine for personal benefit, and a Bible conviction. The
difference is fruit. A Bible conviction, when lived by
faithfully, will always produce spiritual fruit. A practice, on
the other hand, may be beneficent; but does not necessarily
produce spiritual fruit.

COMMITMENT

After establishing Scriptural beliefs, (convictions to live
by), it is necessary to make a commitment. Many Christians
confess their belief in the Bible as God's Word but few are truly
committed to their beliefs. A commitment is a promise or an
agreement. Such words have little meaning in today's society but
once they carried authority and absolutism. A marriage, for
example, is a commitment; but one out of every two marriages in
America ends in divorce. So much for commitment! What is a
Bible commitment?

While preaching in Montana a number of years ago, I stayed
with one of the ranchers in the church for several days. One day
he brought out some rattle snake tails and dropped them in my
hand. He confessed that the thing he hated the most about
ranching was mending fences. He calculated that he had over
twenty miles of fence around his land.
"I hate snakes!" he confessed. "That's why I don't like to
mend fence and it always seems like the fence is down somewhere."

He continued by telling me that it was necessary to dismount his
horse, wade down into the thick brush, strip a small tree to be
cut down for the fence post, and then attach the fallen fence.

"You can't see the snakes in the tall brush," he said with a
frown, "and I guess that's what I fear the most. Somebody has to
do it and at least I've never been bitten; thanks to those
little rattles," he concluded pointing to the rattles in my hand.

Years later I recalled this conversation and realized that
this was an illustration for commitment. The Christian life has
Scriptural boundaries. The commitment we make to God, on the
authority of His Word, is the Christian's fence. I have had many
people confess to me,

"I would come to God but I just don't think I could be
committed."

If they are Christians they confess,

"I just wish I could live a committed life to Christ."

You become a committed Christian by putting up the Scriptural
fence; thus saying, "I won't cross over and nothing will be allow
in." What happens if the fence falls down? You just put it
back up again.

"But I'm afraid of the Snake?"

"For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might
destroy the works of the devil." (I John 3:8). Your fence is
going to fall but we have the responsibility of restoring that
commitment made when we confessed Jesus Christ as Lord. Without
such commitment, beliefs, (conviction), is only head knowledge.
James taught that faith without works was dead, (See Jam. 2:14-
26). Agree with God before you fast concerning both your
petition and your faith in Him regardless of the outcome.

COMMUNION

After the disciples failure to cast the demon out of the
young child, Jesus instructed them that it had been a result of
their unbelief, that is, a lack of commitment to His Word, but
added that prayer and fasting were often necessary in certain
cases.Although prayer takes on many forms, Jesus was referring to
prayers of petition in this case. Prayer, or communing with God,
is the sharing of mutual interests intimately. How intimate are
your prayers? Fasting will not necessarily improve spiritual
intimacy alone; but it will cause us to focus on God as the one
who hears and answers our prayers. Fasting becomes counter The Provider.
productive if we focus on the problem rather than
If you find yourself focusing on the problem as you fast, be
quick to discipline yourself to return your thoughts to God's
Word and His promises. In another words, be committed to an
attitude of "Thus saith the Lord."

I often find it more difficult to pray during a fast. The
fast itself actually becomes a distraction and my mind just does
not focus on the spiritual as well. If you experience the same
when fasting, do not become alarmed or feel as though you are not
doing your job.

"And He that searcheth the hearts knows what is the mind of
the Spirit," (Rom. 8:27).

Fortunately there are multiple forms of prayer. Even are
thoughts, as we meditate, are prayers to God. You are not
necessarily fasting to facilitate more time for prayer but rather
to demonstrate commitment and discipline. Learn to pray before
you fast or learn to pray as you fast.

PART III

THE PRACTICE OF FASTING

The practice, or regulation, of fasting is simple: Abstain
from food and pray. Fasting is a practice which we exercise in
order to execute discipline. Our attitude toward fasting should
never be "Practice makes perfect," but rather one of spiritual
conformity to God's perfect will.

PERSONAL

Our relationship with God is uniquely personal. Although we
learn and receive from others, we are individually responsible
for our relationship with God. Fasting is an individually
exercised discipline. We may fast collectively with a common
cause and thus amplify the spiritual agreement factor in prayer;
but fasting is singular in nature.

It should, if conducted Scripturally, sharpen our personal
awareness of the dimensions of God. The fast displays our
willingness to become personally involved to the extreme of going
without food. It allows us to again focus on God and not the
problem and thus shows our willingness to be totally dependant
upon God.

Fasting also unveils spiritual authority and you will find
it necessary to exercise such authority repeatedly during any
fast. The unholy and unseen forces which seek to oppose us will
do so relentlessly during a fast because we have entered the
supernatural realm with a specific cause. Maintain your Biblical
authority throughout the fast.
Perhaps the most beneficent factor, certainly the most
personal, of fasting is the spiritual intimacy it brings.
Abstaining from food displays our spiritual desires to harmonize
with God's perfect will, thus, it will afford us spiritual depth
and intimacy with our Lord. This may not be experienced during
the fast itself, but if you remain faithful, it will occur. Keep
in mind, however, that the Devil will war against any such
spiritual intimacy; thus the absolute necessity for Scriptural
familiarity.

POSITIVE

Most of us have experienced the negatives of fasting but it
is to be a positive experience in our lives. The physical
hunger, the lack of answers to prayer, and the spiritual
frustration often experienced during a fast, all circumscribe any
positive effects for most of us. It is, however, to be something
spiritually positive. Jesus said we were to fast until the
Bridegroom cometh. That is a positive statement because it
reminds us of the return of our Lord. A fast should be
conducted in light of such revelation. Additionally, our Lord
implied that if His disciples would first believe and then fast
and pray, the demon would be cast out. That likewise is a
positive promise. Confidence can and should be experienced
during a fast from the awareness of these promises. God has
likewise promised to hear and answer our prayers repeatedly in
His Word. If fasting becomes negative, we are not listening to
His Word.

PRUDENCE

It can be unwise to fast without definite direction from
the Holy Spirit. In the case of my twenty-one day fast, I was
encouraged by the Holy Spirit for a number of weeks before
beginning my fast. If you choose to fast for a day or more
without any such spiritual direction you would, of course,
certainly be Scriptural in doing so. We need to finish what we
start, however. Whether self-determined or holy Spirit led,
never fast without commitment to the end; unless, of course, you
receive some definite spiritual indication during the fast to end
prematurely. Be prudent and exhibit faith.

PART IV

THE POWER OF FASTING

Fasting reveals and releases power. when we begin to fast
and pray, we suddenly step into the supernatural world where
Satan exercises dominion and has for millennia. It should not be
surprising, therefore, that we would experience discouragement
and often defeat when we begin a fast. At the same time,
however, the power of God becomes prodigious and angelic forces
activated accordingly. We need to be keenly aware of both God's
power and the Devil's when we fast.

WORD

Carefully examine the account of our Lord's forty day fast
recorded in Matthew 4:1-11. Jesus was tempted in all points like
as we are yet without sin: (Heb. 4:15). During the fast, Satan
assaulted our Lord by challenging His identity as the Son of God,
the ability of God's Word to protect Him from harm, and His
authority in this world. In each case Jesus responded with
Scripture that is, with God's eternal Word. As we fast, we
likewise will be challenged in similar areas of doctrine. "Are
you really a child of God? Who gives you the right? What
authority do you have?" Many Christians become discouraged
during a fast because they have thought such things. We
generally fail at fasting because of a lack of Biblical
knowledge.

I think it important to mention at this point that a lack of
Biblical knowledge should not keep you from going ahead with a
fast; especially if you feel led to do so. You may even consider
a fast for the exact purpose of learning more from God through
His Word and the ministry of the Holy Spirit. In such a case,
however, consider a short fast and remember; discernment is
certainly a key factor in any fast. Rely upon the Holy Spirit
for the Scriptural guidance you need both before, during, and
after any fast.

Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will
guide you into all truth: And He shall not speak of
Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He
speak: And He will show you things to come. (John
16:13).

WITNESS

The discipline of fasting testifies of our identity with
Christ. The Holy Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we
are the children of God: (Rom. 8:16). As we fast, we bear
witness of this identity. As I mentioned, Satan will challenge
us in this area. Our power in fasting lies in our witness. This
is why Jesus said that prayer and fasting often go together.
Satan will, without question, attempt to break down our witness
as the sons and daughters of God during a time of fasting and
prayer. Prayer is needed to quench this fiery dart: (Eph. 6:11-
18). If we will learn to pray in the Spirit during our fast,
Romans 8:26-27 promises that the Holy Spirit will "make
intercession for us." The Holy Spirit is the great Witness of
God in our behalf and such power is released in the form of
authority in the spiritual realm as we fast and pray.

WORSHIP

According to Matthew's account of our Lord's forty day fast,
Satan attempted to get our Lord to worship him. Fasting is a
definite act of one's will to focus on God; thus, it is a form of
worship or (oneness with God). Jesus responded to this attack in
Matthew 4:10 by commanding Satan to depart for only God allow,
Jesus confessed, is worthy to be worshipped. Thus, acknowledge
God during your fast and worship Him. In this way you will be
resisting the Devil and drawing nigh to God; (Jam. 4:7).
Spiritual power is thus released. Exercise discipline by
perpetually acknowledging God and His power and worthiness to be
praised and worshipped. Ignore Satan, minimize your problems,
and worship God over circumstances.

PART V

THE PROMISES OF FASTING

For the Christian, fellowship with God is confirmed by His
promises. Beyond salvation, we are promised eternal life,
spiritual liberty, answers to prayers, grace, righteousness,
Heaven, and the Holy Spirit; just to name a few. Fasting has
promises as well.

REWARD

Jesus confirmed reward for those who fast: "And thy Father
which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly," (Matt. 6:18).
The two words "reward" and "openly" are translated (given) and
(publicly). The same word for "reward" is also translated as
(perform, repay, restore), and (yield) elsewhere in the
New Testament. It is often used when concerning the payment of
money owed. "Openly" on the other hand, is also rendered (known,
manifest), and (outwardly). Its root means (luminous) and comes
from our English word (phosphorescence). From these two words,
therefore, Jesus revealed fasting will perform for the Christian
in the natural realm what has been accomplished in the spiritual
realm. Thus, it becomes luminous - visible.

RECOGNITION

Perhaps less obvious, but certainly as forceful in its
revelation, is the awareness that our fasting and prayers are
recognized by the Holy Father: "And thy Father which seeth in
secret." Fasting takes us directly into the supernatural realm
where all prayers are spiritually conceived. It is in this
place of unseen power that God looks for our petitions; "seeth in
secret." In my opinion, fasting amplifies this recognition
because it is a physical manifestation of a spiritual desire.
"And if we know that He heareth us, whatsoever we ask, we know
that we have the petitions that we desired of Him," (I John
5:15).

RELATIONSHIP

The Heavenly Father desires to honor our prayers and
fastings because we have an established relationship with Him
through His Son. Jesus confirmed this by saying, "And thy Father ___
which seeth in secret." God is our Father by spiritual birth.
Fasting therefore is done out of love; and our father responds
to our prayers and fastings out of love for His own.

PART VI

THE PRODUCT OF FASTING

The test of any Biblical principle, Scriptural practice, or
spiritual conviction is its fruitfulness. Fasting is not a
doctrine but is a Scriptural principle thus it is available for
the producing of spiritual fruit in the Christian life.
OBEDIENCE

Fasting is an act of obedience just as prayer, giving, and
praise are. Any time we acknowledge God's Word through
agreement, either in word or deed, we demonstrate obedience.
Obedience is the quickest way of getting God's attention.
Fasting gives evidence to Biblical obedience.

ONENESS

Since Jesus instructed that prayer and fasting go together
in certain cases of spiritual discipline, we can experience a
more intimate relationship with the Father through fasting.
Often, however, the intimacy will not be appreciated until the
fast is over; and even then it may be some time before such
spiritual intimacy is personally discerned.

Spiritual intimacy occurs through worship. During a fast,
you may discover it is easier to worship than to pray because
concentration often becomes more difficult when the body is
refused nourishment. Worshipping God opens the door for
spiritual intimacy and personal awareness of the holiness of God.
In another words, we simply become more aware of our oneness with
God through the ministry of the Holy Spirit in prayer.

OPPORTUNITY

We have already noted Daniel's opportunity when he fasted
for twenty-one days. The angel confirmed that he had been sent
to Daniel the moment he began his petition but Satan hindered him
for three weeks. Jesus also informed His disciples upon their
failure to cast the demon out of the young child; that prayer and
fasting was needed in that particular case for success. These
two examples prove opportunity is created by prayer and fasting
which may not otherwise be available. We should learn from
Scripture that fasting produces spiritual opportunity.

TECHNIQUES

When I fast, I always drink natural fruit juices. Some
disagree with my methods and feel the only way to fast is without
food of any kind; water being the only form of liquid intake. I
have tried fasting that way and find it nearly impossible for me
personally. It reduces my ability to concentrate so severely
that I find it difficult to function normally in daily
responsibilities; So I drink fruit juices. If you plan to drink
only water, I recommend that you use distilled water because it
causes less stomach irritation and will minimize hunger.

After the first week of my twenty-one day fast, I stopped
drinking coffee because of the bitterness and its stimulus
effect. After the second week I gave up tea, hot or cold, and by
the end of the third week, I was even finding it difficult to
drink the fruit juices. I drank them, however, only to avoid
dizziness.
If some day you feel led to fast for a number of days, be
careful how you resume eating when your fast is concluded. Long
fasts should be broken gradually. I suggest you eat nothing the
first couple of days following the long fast. Drink soup broth
and if you have gone for days with nothing but water, begin
drinking diluted fruit juices before attempting any solid foods.
After a couple of days of being off your fast, you may try eating
small portions of chicken and rice mixed with your soup broth.
By the third day you should be able to eat a light meal,
depending on how many days you have gone foodless, and within the
week, you should be able to return to normal eating habits. Most
foods tasted different for several days after I broke my three
week fast. I might also add that I did not follow my own advice
concerning returning to a normal diet slowly and I paid dearly
for my mistake.

There is one additional word of caution. If you fast for a
prolonged period of time, although this could occur even in a
short fast, you may experience depression immediately following
your fast; or even during the fast. It could even be acute. I
anticipated such could be the case at the end of my three weeks
and found it necessary to request special prayer. If you feel
led to fast for several days, be sure others have been informed
of your intentions so that you will have them praying with you
and for you during the fast. The next couple of days following
my fast were very difficult and my wife prayed with me concerning
my depression. Depression is when demonic forces accuse us in
the spiritual realm; thus the need for other Christian friends to
be aware of your fast. As has been seen, things begin to happen
in the spiritual realm when we pray and fast. Be careful and
know how to pray if you plan to fast.

CONCLUSION

Fasting never seems to be easy for me although I have heard
some insist there is nothing to it. Fasting for three weeks was
the most spiritually difficult thing I have ever experienced. I
know it would not have been possible for me without the direct
leadership of the HOly Spirit in my life. Although I have not
fasted often since my three week fast, I do now somehow feel more
sensitive to God's direction in the matter. I doubt it would
take the Holy Spirit as long to convince me of His leading in
this area since I yielded before. I personally believe that
this type of an attitude is the real secret to a successful fast
and recommend you consider carefully God's will before ever
engaging in a long fast. It is not just for the spiritually
strong but for those who love God and desire to serve Him even
if it means going without food for a period of time.

Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word
that proceedeth out of the mouth of God (Matt. 4:4).

End Of Document

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