If you're reading this, you're at least interested in what it means to fast and what the benefits might actually be. In the Jewish culture, fasting was a part of their tradition and actually rules of Jewish law that were expected to be followed. Just like so many other rules and laws, Jesus came to fulfill all of them. We are free in Jesus and not under rules or law. However, there are so many benefits that God set up for the Jewish people before Jesus made his appearance as a man that we can glean from today, and I personally have found fasting to be one of them.
In all of my 53 years on earth, I was never once encouraged to fast. I wasn't familiar with it other than reading it in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew, but I just assumed it didn't apply to me since I had never learned about it in any of my Bible classes or sermons that were preached. Not once. In 2021 that changed. An entire church had committed to do this together as they prayed specifically for things in their community, their families and individually. I found this inspiring and intriguing as, again, I'd never even considered doing this.
Fasting is an immediate way to point yourself to Jesus. We all know the pang of hunger in some form or fashion. The idea of fasting is to push through that pang and look to Jesus, asking Him to fill you instead of rushing to the fridge, pantry or nearest drive-thru. It's definitely not what we're used to here in America.
If you've made it this far, you may be truly considering it. I'm so so impressed with you! Fasting is an individual decision. However, you must commit to it BEFORE you start, or you will be tempted to change it and rationalize that change as you move forward. Here is what I have done for the last 3 years, and it is what I will do for 21 days starting January 1 of 2025:
Week 1
4 glasses of juice per day. I'm not a juice-girl, so this was already a challenge for me. I bought quite a few small bottles in the produce section at the grocery store the first year and narrowed it to what I can actually get down. Some people also substitute one or two of these glasses per day with broth. That was a line too far in the sand for me. I also drink water all day long.
Read one chapter of the book of John each day. Get to know Jesus by his own words and actions as an adult man. Learn how he interacted with his disciples, his enemies and how he treated those around him. His goal was (and is) to lead us to the Father. Read in His own words how He does that. There are 21 chapters. Kinda perfect.
Watch at least one episode of The Chosen. Start from the beginning. It's on Amazon Prime, but it also has its own app which is FREE to download and watch on any of your devices. Watch it alone the first time if you have not yet started. It's so very personal, and you don't want to miss even a moment of each episode, so don't have your phone nearby. Unplug from everything and everyone for that hour each day and soak in the visual images and audio elements of what Jesus could have been like in real flesh.
Pray. Pray specifically for what God has in store for you over the next few days, weeks, months, year. Watch. Listen.
Week 2
4 glasses of juice per day + a dinner meal of strictly vegetables. Get creative. You can start chewing this week, ha! Water all day long.
Keep reading one chapter of John.
Keep watching at least one episode of The Chosen. (When you get to Season 2, Episode 1, go back and read John 1:1-18 again. You will be moved to tears at how personal Jesus is for you. I can't wait to hear about this from everyone!)
Pray. Pray specifically for what God has in store for you over the next few days, weeks, months, year. Watch. Listen.
Week 3
4 glasses of juice per day, a dinner meal of strictly vegetables, a protein drink at lunchtime. Water all day long.
Keep reading one chapter of John.
Keep watching at least one episode of The Chosen.
Pray. Pray specifically for what God has in store for you over the next few days, weeks, months, year. Watch. Listen.
This is my personal journey. Choose one that is right for you.
One note I'd like to address: Biblical fasting is restricted to food. Others may "fast" from social media, hobbies, alcohol, etc. God set up fasting to include food. If you'd like to "abstain" from those other things, that sounds fantastic, but it's not a fast. Fasting is difficult at best and causes some days of physical suffering, but you will be SHOCKED at how God will pull you along. Some days, and this may sound crazy, you might not even feel hungry, and you will have to remember to go drink that glass of juice.
Days 2 and 5 are usually the hardest for me at first. It's like my body is saying, "ok, i know you probably forgot yesterday, but let's get back to this eating thing..." You'll have a couple of days when you don't think you can do it. YOU CAN WITH GOD! Cry out to Him. Once completed, you will have accomplished something you may have never thought you could. Your body will feel great, your soul will feel refreshed, and your relationship with Jesus will become closer than you ever expected.
ALSO, please comment on this blog each day or any day you feel encouraged or discouraged. Let's share together what verse hit you directly or how God revealed something to you. Some days will be harder while some days will be easier. Let's encourage each other. This is your personal fasting group! Welcome!
Get ready to fall in Love with Jesus in 21 days!
Comments
Melissa Orsburn:
Day 2 : Hi everyone! I wanted to share my favorite verse in John 2. It’s the very last verse. (John 2:25 NIV) “He did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was in each person.”
The NLT translates it like this “ No one needed to tell him about human nature, for He knew what was in each person’s heart.”
I just love this perspective and John’s placement of it. Being able to see all He could see , He still loved us so much to humble himself, come to earth, feel what we feel, and give His life to save us.
Jan 03, 2025
Kimberly:
Day 2: Back to work today. It wasn’t as hard as I thought, but cooking supper for the family is my challenge. I almost cracked earlier, but just kept asking God to help, and He did. Chapter 2 – there were 2 things. The first was when they asked him what authority he had and his response was, “Destroy this temple and I’ll build it back in 3 days.” They don’t get what He was saying, but wow…He came out swinging at Miracle 1. (Love him so much!) Second, just the tenderness He has toward His mother. It melts my heart and makes me realize….that’s how He is to me, too. That’s big.
Jan 03, 2025
Alisha :
Well just catching up here to check in. About ready to drink my dinner juice and watch the Chosen. I just finished my devos, daily readings, and will continue to pray. Today I had returned to work after NewYear day and lo and behold there was a big box of donuts from the bakery and I declined to eat one which never happens.
Broth for lunch instead. Power of God even in the small things for me. When I look at this as a whole I really don’t think I can do this…however I am willing and leaning into His strength to see me through- even just every hour right now.
Who loves Sandi Patty 🙋🏼♀️ anyways she sings a lovely song sweet hour of prayer/I need you Lord- take a listen if you haven’t.
Ok off here for dinner (juice) and show The Chosen
Jan 03, 2025
Kim:
Hi, this is my first time attempng a fast and I am 53. I am thankful for the map you provided. I have wanted to try but never gone through with one. I almost completed day 2 and I can not wait to see what God shows me!
Again, thnak you
Jan 03, 2025
Missy - update end of Day 2:
Welcome, Newbies! How was Day 2?
Personally, today was even better than yesterday. I honestly can’t explain it because, again, I cooked for multiple people in my home and had to walk away when it was ready to serve. Jesus is the Bread of Life, and I have been feeding on Him today and discussing the wedding and miracles with my hubby. And taking down Christmas decor!
Today reading John 2 and watching Season 1, Episode 4 of the Chosen (the wedding episode) went perfectly together. Texting with one of Jase’s cousins today (one of my fave people ever), she mentioned how not only does God come through for us, he gives us the VERY BEST! Like the wine! In the episode, Ramah said in sort of bewilderment, “He gave us more than we needed”. That’s what Jesus does. He gives us more than we need!
What an amazing God we serve!
Keep going! Keep praying. Keep listening. Keep watching. You’re doing amazing!
Love to you all, Missy
Jan 02, 2025
Keshia Kincaid:
Starting a day late, but better late than never!
Jan 02, 2025
Kasey :
Hi Missy and all! I have fasted biblically before but not more than 24-48 hrs. I am grateful to be On this journey with you! Seeking a closer relationship with God. Love the chosen, I have went to season 4, so I am restarting and so excited. I have to say I am not a juice drinker but I have gotten it down- I think I am going for broth for dinner lol! I have had thoughts creep in already of this is going to be really hard. But then I am reminded to give it to God <3
Jan 02, 2025
Diane:
Day 1: done. I am still amazed after my many years of Bible study to learn something new. I learned that God through Jesus made the earth and everything in it. I always read God created the light and the dark; etc. for seven days! So in John I read in verse 3 that God created through Jesus the earth, etc. Did anyone else besides me miss this little detail?
Fasting is going great! Day 1 down, The Chosen was different in Episode 1. Thank you!
Jan 02, 2025
Missy - update at end of Day 1:
Day 1 Complete! A busy day with a toddler helped keep my mind off being hungry for sure. Cooking homemade spaghetti for Jase, Mia and AK actually wasn’t that bad. Here at this Robertson home, January requires quite a few overnight hunters and guests who expect to be fed well, so that is a personal challenge for me during this time. However, preparing mentally and spiritually in advance definitely helps.
What did you think of the Chosen? I watched Episodes 1 and 2 today and was moved to tears again at the ending scene of Episode 1. Jesus knows us so well, even our most shaming parts. He calls us by name. He loves us individually.
I’m so glad you’re on this journey with me. Tomorrow is a new day with new challenges; mentally, spiritually and definitely physically. Pray for strength and peace. I’m so impressed with you!
Jan 01, 2025
Alisha:
Well off starting this juice fast on the right step!
I’m hopeful that God will see me through, (I’m just the one who needs convincing)
This morn did my devos- made juice for the day-listened to John 1 You Version, now I’m going to read it, then watch The Chosen season 1 episode 1.
I know I will be struggling early evening as that is the most important meal for me (says my stomach), but I will have my glass of juice and pray 🙏🏼
I want not only to be transformed by this physically, mentally, and spiritually but I want a closer relationship with The Lord!
So cheers to juicing fasting and praying these 21 days!
Jan 01, 2025
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