Fasting

[savinghopexx]

Hello everyone,

I have been having severe anxiety over wether or not I need to fast. Recently I felt like I love food too much. Specifically in regards to going out to eat or ordering out. I sometimes have felt like food is something I really desire and something that I also look forward to, to bring me satisfaction which I know is a sin and is wrong. I repented of my idolatry and I am trying to re-frame my mind around food being what it is, just food. However, I am not sure if God is calling me to fast or not. I feel like I am not fully repenting if I am not fasting. I was thinking about fasting from restaurants but I have two events coming up that require going to one and I am not sure if I should not go to them or not since all this worry started after I had made these plans. I just need advice on what to do. I never struggled with gluttony or overeating, I know my limits. The idol is more an idol of the heart, thinking that food will bring me satisfaction when it wont. I also have never fasted before so I have no idea where to start.

 

[Richard T]

I pray you have peace. I think God designed us to enjoy eating. If you think it is an idol though perhaps limit your first fast to something not too enjoyable, like bread and water? Here is a free booklet that was worthwhile to me. Fasting can be powerful, as it reduces the flesh and highlights the spirit. If you direct your fast for a particular person the get saved or delivered, I have seen it work. I would just put it in your mind to fast a day and then let God take it from there. If you feel an urgency though it is good to even skip a meal right away and pray. God Bless! Kenneth E. Hagin - A Common Sense Guide to Fasting.pdf

 

[Joseph G]

Hello everyone,

I have been having severe anxiety over wether or not I need to fast. Recently I felt like I love food too much. Specifically in regards to going out to eat or ordering out. I sometimes have felt like food is something I really desire and something that I also look forward to, to bring me satisfaction which I know is a sin and is wrong. I repented of my idolatry and I am trying to re-frame my mind around food being what it is, just food. However, I am not sure if God is calling me to fast or not. I feel like I am not fully repenting if I am not fasting. I was thinking about fasting from restaurants but I have two events coming up that require going to one and I am not sure if I should not go to them or not since all this worry started after I had made these plans. I just need advice on what to do. I never struggled with gluttony or overeating, I know my limits. The idol is more an idol of the heart, thinking that food will bring me satisfaction when it wont. I also have never fasted before so I have no idea where to start.

Hey Saving Hope,

What timing! I'm on Day 2 of my first prayer and fast, and it's awesome, many more benefits than just overcoming eating for comfort - #1 being drawing closer to God, discerning His will, and intercessory prayer for others, ect.

Here's a link to a great study about biblical fasting (by David Diga Hernandez of Spirit Church), which I have faith will confirm to you that it is indeed Him calling you to it.

Also, I learned that there are different kinds of fasting, not just from food but other dependences and neccessities in our lives, too. I didn't realize that I was or had already done some of them without knowing I was fasting! What joy to discover!

He also segues into, about 3/4 of the way thru the vid, insight about the Holy Spirit, Jesus' provision of neccessities despite our unneccessary worries, living in faith rather than living in fear, God's faithfulness to His promises (100%!), placing God's priorities over our priorities, and participating in growing His Kingdom.

Hope this blesses you!

Joseph

 

[Mari17]

Hello everyone,

I have been having severe anxiety over wether or not I need to fast. Recently I felt like I love food too much. Specifically in regards to going out to eat or ordering out. I sometimes have felt like food is something I really desire and something that I also look forward to, to bring me satisfaction which I know is a sin and is wrong. I repented of my idolatry and I am trying to re-frame my mind around food being what it is, just food. However, I am not sure if God is calling me to fast or not. I feel like I am not fully repenting if I am not fasting. I was thinking about fasting from restaurants but I have two events coming up that require going to one and I am not sure if I should not go to them or not since all this worry started after I had made these plans. I just need advice on what to do. I never struggled with gluttony or overeating, I know my limits. The idol is more an idol of the heart, thinking that food will bring me satisfaction when it wont. I also have never fasted before so I have no idea where to start.

I have had a fasting obsession too

Hello everyone,

I have been having severe anxiety over wether or not I need to fast. Recently I felt like I love food too much. Specifically in regards to going out to eat or ordering out. I sometimes have felt like food is something I really desire and something that I also look forward to, to bring me satisfaction which I know is a sin and is wrong. I repented of my idolatry and I am trying to re-frame my mind around food being what it is, just food. However, I am not sure if God is calling me to fast or not. I feel like I am not fully repenting if I am not fasting. I was thinking about fasting from restaurants but I have two events coming up that require going to one and I am not sure if I should not go to them or not since all this worry started after I had made these plans. I just need advice on what to do. I never struggled with gluttony or overeating, I know my limits. The idol is more an idol of the heart, thinking that food will bring me satisfaction when it wont. I also have never fasted before so I have no idea where to start.

I have had a fasting obsession too. I would be very, very careful about fasting if you have OCD, as it can easily become an obsession and can lead to disordered eating. I have health issues resulting from disordered eating, and it can be dangerous for your health, especially if you do not weigh a lot or if you have issues with low blood sugar. Do you have someone, like a trusted friend or a health professional, who can help you work through these issues? Are you getting any sort of help for your OCD? Feel free to pm me if you want to talk privately.

 

[ChristinaL]

Hello everyone,

I have been having severe anxiety over wether or not I need to fast. Recently I felt like I love food too much. Specifically in regards to going out to eat or ordering out. I sometimes have felt like food is something I really desire and something that I also look forward to, to bring me satisfaction which I know is a sin and is wrong. I repented of my idolatry and I am trying to re-frame my mind around food being what it is, just food. However, I am not sure if God is calling me to fast or not. I feel like I am not fully repenting if I am not fasting. I was thinking about fasting from restaurants but I have two events coming up that require going to one and I am not sure if I should not go to them or not since all this worry started after I had made these plans. I just need advice on what to do. I never struggled with gluttony or overeating, I know my limits. The idol is more an idol of the heart, thinking that food will bring me satisfaction when it wont. I also have never fasted before so I have no idea where to start.

There is no need to feel such anxiety about fasting. While its highly lauded and recommended its not required of us. If you want a place to start, start by skipping one meal now and again

 

[timf]

The only usefulness I have found with fasting is as an adjunct to prayer. If you find that you have an intense desire to pray about something specific, you can fast for a day. During the normal busyness of the day it is easy to forget to pray as much as you had intended. Hunger pangs can work as a reminder to pray.