Rich Garner

The eBook “True Fasting” (download here) is a crucial read for those of us about to embark on a fast as a church-wide effort. However, one topic not covered (and one that I’ve personally heard time and time again) is the issue of health concerns.

Here’s the argument: “I want to fast, but I have [insert medical condition here] and I need to eat or I [pass out/get sick/get dizzy/act goofy/yodel]. So I’ll just fast from something other than food.” Well, on page 11, it clearly explains that fasting, in the original Greek, was to go without food or meals. This means that true fasting means to deprive us of nourishment. But wait! How can God ask us to do something potentially harmful to our health? Simple. He is God. He knows best. But far from me to expect a simple answer to calm all of our concerns, so let me offer a suggestion.

The purpose of fasting is to weaken the physical so that the spiritual may strengthen. This can only be done WITH prayer. But it is also not specified anywhere in the Bible how long a fast should last. As a church, we set a goal of three days. However, if you fall into the above mentioned medical conditions group, I would suggest you fast for as long as your health will allow. As long as you are not getting fed during your fast AND you are devoted to prayer, God will see your half day just as meaningful as your brother’s three full days.

However, keep in mind that the heart is deceitful and satan will have us convince ourselves that we are not capable of what other Godly people do. This is a lie and I believe there is no medical condition that would prevent us from performing a religious rite that God has created for us to preform. But, this must be your personal conviction, not mine. the bottom line is this: If you have concerns, seek advice. After all, “Plans fail for lack of council. But with many advisers, they succeed.” Proverbs 15:22