Fasting simply means abstaining from food. There are several types of fasts mentioned throughout the bible: the Esther fast, the Daniel fast, of course Christ’s forty day fast as well as the fasts regularly done by the apostles, etc. It is important to understand that a fast must be spirit led-otherwise you will simply dieting.

People write to me asking for prayer and seeking deliverance. I always, always advise them to fast so long as it will not affect their health and their doctor has not prohibited it. Each situation is unique, thus the length of each fast varies. Now, I personally believe that in order to fast one must also “fast” from television and social media. I always advise the person to fast from all three for a specified time. If you truly want to hear clearly from God then you must deny your flesh. As you submit your flesh to your spirit you are doing “spiritual exercise”, strengthening your inner man (Ephesians 3:16). So, submitting your flesh also requires pushing away distractions (television and social media) as well as pushing away your plate.

Fasting humbles the soul (Psalm 35:13). Some demons only come out by prayer and fasting (Matthew 17:21). It is one of our tactical weapons of warfare against the enemy. It was during a fast that the Holy Spirit gave me this revelation: when you fast, pay attention to the residue that rises to the surface. Residue meaning whatever is not of God-old thought patterns or behaviors you thought you had already modified, bad habits, vices or addictions you had broken that are suddenly calling your name, the urge to contact old friends you know will drag you back down into the mire. The devil is busy; we should be, too.

Be prepared for the enemy’s attacks when you fast. Each attack is a lesson to be learned, an issue that must be addressed, or a door that must be closed. Use his own attack against him. In essence, the devil is giving you insight you most certainly need to overcome. Fasting is critical to achieve this goal.

Fasting requires discipline: your flesh will fight you every step of the way. The first few times are extremely difficult, but it becomes easier. In reality, fasting should be a regular habit for the Christian; I don’t think it’s a coincidence that as the church has stopped fasting as a congregation it has slowly lost its power. Fasting changed circumstances in the bible: Esther chapters 4 and 5, Daniel chapter 10 and Acts chapters 2, 9, 10 and 12, just to name a few. It is the secret to your breakthrough.

So what should you expect on a fast? You will get dehydrated if you do not drink plenty of water: buy yourself a gallon and drink it the entire day. Some will do a liquids only fast, others fast until dinnertime, while others drink only water for a number of days. In some cases, the lack of food being digested will cause constipation. Unless the Holy Spirit specifically orders a water only fast, try to keep your digestive tract lubricated with natural fruit juices or nutritional shakes. Also, your body will crave more carbohydrates for energy; try to avoid eating too much starch and too many carbs. Make sure you eat lean protein and plenty of vegetables with only a side of one or the other.

Expect headaches and a lack of energy on your first few fasts. It’s a shock to the system and your body needs time to adjust. You may become irritable: this is why it is so important to run it by your spouse and receive approval if you are married (1 Corinthians 7:1-5). Again, do not be discouraged. It gets easier over time. And I promise you, it not only makes you more sensitive and in tune to the voice of the Holy Spirit, but it also sharpens your discernment. And as a sheep among wolves (Matthew 10:16) discernment is critical and very necessary.

I suggest a first time fast to be limited in some sense: either fast for three days or fast a whole week but for just six hours a day. As you continue fasting you can go longer without food and it not affect you as much. Again, I cannot emphasize enough that each fast must be spirit led; the Holy Spirit will never steer you wrong. I pray this blesses you.