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
Lisa:
Today is day three for me. Yesterday was a little rough. I woke up hungry and had a headache. The challenge for me is also caffeine has been cut out so my body is going through withdrawals.
In addition to reading John and am also doing another Bible study. Today I read 1 Corinthians, chapter 6. verses 19-20 stuck out. "don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you whom you have from God. You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body, and in your Spirit which are God’s.
I pray that I can continue on this journey and this will be bring me closer to God.
Today is going better as I am praying for God’s strength.
Jan 08, 2025
Keshia:
Day 6 for me! I’m feeling good, but I didn’t realize how addicted to food I am. When driving from home to work I am craving food from every restaurant/fast food place I see. I can’t do this on my own strength, but Praise God He is our daily bread 🙌🏻. John Chapter 6 came alive to me today and I am so thankful, I have been praying for a better understanding when I read scripture! I was surprised when Jesus got on the boat with the disciples and immediately they were at the shore where they were going. I have read John before and never realized that was in there. Praise Jesus for His miracles!
Jan 08, 2025
Amy:
Raquel,
I was so deeply touched by the same points of the movie; when Jesus put his hand on Mary’s and said “this is not for you”, and when he called her name at the end, and again when Jesus showed up at Mary’s house in season 2.
I felt as though he was saying those words directly to me.
He recently removed me from a job that I had been working myself to the bone trying to make the role succeed, I have struggled to figure it all out, I felt like he gently whispered directly to me, “this is not for you”.
I have struggled with unworthiness as long as I can remember, so when he called her by name, I literally was in tears. He knows us all so intimately and loves each of us so uniquely.
Prayers for all on this journey, may we each experience our Savior in new and fresh ways.
I just finished day 7, by the grace of God, glory be to Him.
Jan 08, 2025
Kimberly:
Day 7!!! Can you even believe it? Good job, my faithful sisters!
I truly believe God designed common things in our lives to parallel the spiritual and show us who He is and his character. Water is one of those things. “Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” And obviously we can’t go without drinking water. Look at how important it is. If I so much as miss a glass or two a day during this fast, I feel horrendous. I also can’t go long without reading and spending time in prayer without also feeling horrible. I require it daily. There’s no exception. I know this is not anything new, but I love the way He’s designed nature, life, so that you see him everywhere, in relationships, in the physical, etc.
Something from God happened today that was so big it brought both my husband and me to tears. A very important, expensive need was met fully and wholly in a way that was so unexpected,I think we’re still in shock. It amazes me how the Lord just gives, and gives, and gives every single day.
Every. Day.
I really am looking forward to my kale and sweet potato tomorrow night after church.
Jan 08, 2025
Tina:
Can someone give a example of the protein drink?
Jan 08, 2025
Tina :
I was just curious to why juice and not just water? Can someone answer this for me?
Jan 08, 2025
Raquel:
Starting Day 2: I am so inspired this morning! When reading John Chapter 1 yesterday, the verses that stood out to me were:
John 1:1 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
John 1: 4-5 “In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it”.
John 1:14 “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.”
I also watched the first two episodes of The Chosen (season 1) and I was so moved when Jesus put his hand on Mary’s and said “this is not for you”, and when he called her name at the end, I was moved to tears. I was moved to tears again when Jesus showed up at Mary’s house in season 2. I’m praying that God gives me the strength to stay the path for this journey. I’m praying for all you ladies as well!
Jan 07, 2025
Amy:
Day 7 – I woke feeling great, but started moving and am so weak/tired. I think I need to drink more water.
I am reciting Psalm 28:7 Th Lord is my strength and my impenetrable shield. My heart trusts with unwavering confidence in him and I am helped. Therefore my heart greatly rejoices. And with my song I shall thank him and praise him.
The Chosen and the John readings have been incredible. Praying for all to continue and watch and listen for our God to speak and move. Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Amy
Jan 07, 2025
Kristina - day 3 - a NEW day!:
Whelp, day 2 was TOUGH!! I woke up in the middle of the night and literally took a bite out of a block of cheese in the fridge. I INSTANTLY FELT AWFUL!! Back story – I grew up in an extremely legalistic church…hell, fire and brimstone were the common topics from the pulpit. Until high school….where I was introduced to a pastor from Moody Bible Institute. He spoke on the LOVE of Jesus, which, unfortunately, was a completely foreign topic to me at 16!
So, this morning I call upon the GRACE of Jesus Christ! When I mess up, He extends grace to me. On a short walk this morning, the Holy Spirit flooded me with a new strength! I just had thoughts overwhelm me that each day is new & His love is FOR me…not against me! I struggle with falling into the legalistic thinking of “faith by works”. Really shows the power of influencing young people!!…I’m 50 and still struggle!
Today, John 3, is a reminder of my past….Nicodemus. I love reading this story….and when The Chosen represented this chapter in the show, I cried (but I think I cry through the entire show!)
Today’s verse that speaks to me: John 3:17 For God did not send his Son into the world to CONDEMN the world, but to save the world through him! Praise you, Lord!
Jan 07, 2025
Toni:
Dezy I am with you on the water intake. My legs were feeling a burning sensation throughout the night and still this morning. I really need to make sure I’m drinking enough water between my juices and broths.
And I go back to my why. And talk to God.
Often times my prayers are not formal. It’s literally me randomly talking to God in my head.
Kristina Thank you for the encouragement that you have pulled through this 3 times already. ❤️
I know we have heard it before but I guess I needed to read it again.
Good luck everyone. I’ve read John:7 this am. Just waiting for the kids to go off to school to watch the Chosen.
Take care.
Jan 07, 2025
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