In Mark 1:13, we see Jesus completing a 40-day fast and
being tempted by Satan in the process. Not surprising. The Spirit guided Jesus
into the 40-day fast to allow Jesus to spend some “quality” time with the
Father. During this time, Jesus was in the wilderness,
surrounded by the wild animals and the angels or the Lord ministered to Him.
Jesus was truly tempted, tried and persecuted by Satan during this time, but
Jesus kept focus on communing with God. Satan knew Jesus was commencing His journey of becoming the ultimate Savior
of mankind. Talk about baptism by fire, but Jesus prevailed. Immediately
following His fast, Jesus began preaching the Word of God and salvation to the
Jews. His cup was filled and Jesus was determined to complete the Father’s will
– to death. What an experience!
As Christians, the experience of fasting really should be this easy and
effective. However, while many of us decide to fast (even for a day) we tend to
allow the enemy to distract and interrupt this precious time we should be
having with our Father. Recall that the enemy comes to “steal, kill and
destroy” (John 10:10). Stealing our precious time with the Father is at the top
of the enemy’s list. If we cannot or do not commune with our Father, we will
not prevail as Christians in this life. Therefore, if we remain bombarded and
preoccupied with life during a fast, we are sure to be unsuccessful in our
mission of drawing closer to God. Before fasting, we should make preparations
to remove possible interruptions that may occur during the fasting period. For
example, consider staying at a hotel or retreat for the time period, sending
the kids to grandparents, turning off cell phones and computers completely, taking
time off from work, etc. Christians should do whatever is necessary to maintain
a healthy line of communication during this time of fasting.
Fasting – even for 40 days – should be an enjoyable time of talking to
and listening from God. Do you remember how as a child after school, you looked
forward to sharing your daily experiences with your parents? Similarly God
desires to hear from us always, as He has all the answers we need (John
16:23-24). While God is always listening to us every day and all day long, fasting
allows us to separate from the day-to-day humdrum and spend the time focusing solely
on God. How great it would be to allocate time for focusing on God every day,
all day. However for many adults, this is just not possible with a full
schedule of daily responsibilities. It is for this reason a separate time of
fasting is essential within the Christian journey.
The 40-day fast can be an amazing experience for any Christian. When completing
a 40-day fast, aim to enjoy yourself every day during this time of
uninterrupted fellowship with the Lord. Fasting is not at all burdensome when
your heart is in it. If your heart is guiding to you to complete a 40-day fast,
you should be ready to enjoy yourself throughout that time period.
There are many ways to keep focused on the Lord and enjoy yourself
during a 40-day fast. The list of steps below prepares the Christian for the
beginning, every day throughout and the end of the fasting period.
- Create a Prayer List. Before you begin your 40-day fast, establish purposes and goals for the fast. Write down a list of 120 targets in total to pray for, as you prepare for focus on praying for 3 each day of the 40-day fast. Need help? No problem. Gather the prayer requests of your network (i.e., family, friends, coworkers, etc.). Also, call your local pastor(s) to find out what’s on their extensive prayer lists. Need more help with completing your prayer lists? Get the news from the television, radio, newspaper or internet. There are always people, places, events, activities or happenings to pray for.
- Plan and Schedule Each Day. Take a week or two to completely prepare for the 40 days of fasting. Forty days is quite some time, so it is important to plan concisely just how you will continue satisfying day-to-day obligations (if applicable) without interrupting your communion with God during the fast. Make necessary preparations for family, work, chores, etc. during the time period. Inform your entire network of your plan to fast for forty days. Allocate at least three items from your prayer lists to pray for each day when planning. Prepare to pray at least three times per day during the 40-day fasting period. Schedule all remaining responsibilities around your fast activities. Most importantly, let the Spirit of God guide you. If necessary, make adjustments to your plan and schedule each day.
- Eating. Usually during a fast, you do not eat or drink anything. When Jesus fasted he did not eat or drink anything for 40 days. It is for this reason that Satan decided to temp Him with food. Could you imagine how hungry Jesus was? More importantly, have you every contemplated why He didn’t die? God is well able to keep anyone who is willing to make such a sacrifice for Him. As Christians, we must continually have faith in the Lord. However, if you choose to eat during a fast, eat light (i.e., leafs, vegetables, fruits, non-diary herbal tea and water) and not between the hours of 6am (sunrise) and 6pm (sunset).
- Shut Down the Noise. During the fast, shut off and disconnect from all forms of non-Christian, non-emergency technologies and communications to the world (i.e., news reporting, social media, entertainment, sports, etc.). The list of technologies may include all phones and cell phones, the internet, television, radio, etc. Feel free to respond to emergencies only. Note that separation from home, family, work, etc. allows you more quiet and undistracted time before the Lord.
- Gather Your Tools. As you begin your fast, gather as many Christian tools, materials and resources as possible, such as Christian music and songs, books, Bibles, audio commentary, audio sermons, posters, inspirational messages, comedy, pictures, graphic designs, etc. for every day. (Videos and movies are often omitted from a fast.) Put those tools, materials and resources to work every day of your fast, from morning to night. Consider placing large positive motivational messages or scriptures on the walls for everyday encouragement.
- Holy Ground. Immerse yourself in prayer, meditation, Bible study and singing every day. Singing is a powerful tool against the enemy. If discouraged, distracted, tired or lacking motivation during your fast, sing as loud as you possibly can. Keep your focus on God during the fast. Maintain a mind and spirit of prayer. Talk to God throughout the entire day, discussing big and little subjects. When praying, pour out your heart before God in earnest supplication. Be honest, God knows your heart. We know that God hears and answers prayer. Welcome the Holy Spirit to take control always. Be in the moment with God and entrust yourself into God’s hands in that moment. Withhold nothing from the Lord. Experience where God can take you in that moment. You will never forget these experiences. They will encourage you throughout your fast and for years to come.
- Challenge Yourself. Locate Bible references pertaining to each item on your prayer lists. Search the entire Bible – Old and New Testament – for answers. Can you read through the Bible in 40 days? It’s the easiest way to find the references you are seeking. Write a small note of prayer, exhortation or word of encouragement for the person associated with the item from your prayer list. After your fast, you can send your note to encourage the person.
- Challenge Yourself. Create a Christian tool, material or resource of your own. Hopefully your experiences in the Lord during your 40-day fast will be manifested or emerge in this particular challenge. Write a song or instrumental, a short book, record your own exhortation or sermon, create and frame posters with your own inspirational messages, pictures or graphic designs, etc. Let the love of God that filled your soul during the fast emerge within your creativity. Consider blessing someone with your creation as a gift.
- Challenge Yourself. Increase your activities in ministry. As Christians who are required to spread the gospel of Jesus always, what a great opportunity to increase or enhance our ministry activities. Throughout your 40-day fast, consider tract distribution locally each day or visit the sick or elderly in the hospitals or nursing homes once a week. Perhaps consider setting up a prayer station at a local mall or public space (with necessary approvals and permissions) during our fast. Donate to a Christian cause. Visit other churches towards building your network of Christian brothers and sisters. Join Christian support groups. Volunteer to serve at local Christian soup kitchens, food pantries, shelters, etc.
- Mind, Body and Spirit. During your fast, strengthen your mind, body and spirit. This does not include exercising. Practice ways to effectively remember Bible verses. God requires us to “study to show ourselves approved” (2 Timothy 2:15). Listen to Christian songs repeatedly to easily bring them to recollection in the future. Again, singing is a powerful tool against the enemy. Consider a spa day to relax, casting all your cares on Jesus. As our bodies are the house of the Holy Ghost (1 Corinthians 6:19), we must preserve our bodies before God. We must walk in holiness and righteousness every day, not only during a fast. Living in holiness and righteousness allows the Holy Spirit to thrive in us. God responds to us in diverse ways, including through the Word of God (the Bible), songs, experiences, etc. It is the Holy Spirit that guides our ability to hear God’s response or message. We should always be in the place (mentally, bodily/physically and spiritually) where the Holy Spirit can work in us for the honor and glory of God.
- The Grand Finale. End your fast with an amazing and spectacular experience in the Lord. For example, attend a major Christian concert, a Christian holiday feast, take a hike, travel on a missions trip, visit Jerusalem in Israel, etc. This is a great way to seal and satisfy a memorable experience in the Lord.
