In a society that is filled with various types of delectable cuisines such as fast food chains, local and international restaurants, it is hard to abstain from food.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics at the USA Department of Labour, in 2016 the average consumer spent a little over US$7,000 on food.

When  I roughly calculated my budget last year I spent approximately US$4000 on food for a family of two.

This year I have decided to decerease the amount of money that I spent on food to afford the astronomical increase in rent after the hurricanes in the BVI.

In view of the impending economic decline, it may become necessary to fast more often.

I have fasted on many occasions and the Lord has performed miracles in my life as a result.

Consequently, I sacrificed every Thursday to fast. I fast and pray for the health and strength of my family, relatives,  friends and the church.

Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ stated that it would become necessary for His Bride (the Church) to fast when He was no longer physically present with her.

And Jesus said to them, “Can the friends of the bridegroom mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast. (Matthew 9:15)

The bridegroom is no longer with us physically so we need to fast frequently.

Thus, without further ado, here are eight reasons why we need to turn down the pot, skip some favorite indulgences such as coffee and chocolate cake, and fast.

Eight Reasons to fast

(Don’t forget that fasting goes hand in hand with prayer).

1. Fasting will restore and keep you fresh.

After or during a fast, your heart will be renewed and refreshed to receive new revelation from God to preserve and mature you into the oil and wine.

This is similar to pouring new wine into new wineskin to preserve the wine. You cannot pour new wine into old wineskin because it will burst (Matthew 9:16-16).

2. Fasting will strenthen your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (Hebrews 10: 19, 23).

3. Fasting will motivate you to study the Word of God to feed and build your spirit (1 Cor 15:2; 1 Cor 16:13).

4. Fasting will help you to stand fast in the liberty where Christ has set you free so that you will not become entangled again in the yoke of bondage ( Galatians 5:1).

5. Fasting will help the Church to be united as one (Philippians  1:27).

6. Fasting will drive out stubborn demons, root out and tear down strongholds (Esther 4; Daniel 9:3; Matthew 17:14-21).

You will not be afraid of the adversary when you pray and fast.

7. Fasting is the best way to kill the flesh and keep you humble.

Repentance and fasting in humble sincerety will move the heart of God on your behalf (Ezra 8:23; 9:5; Nehemiah 9: 1-3; Joel 1:14; 2: 12-15; Jonah 3).

8. You will hear clearly from God during your fast, and supernatural miracles will occur in your life (Acts 10; 13).

You should not fast like the Pharisees to prove your righteousness (Luke 18:9-14 ).

Fasting should not be done to appease traditions and customs (Isaiah 1).

Additional References: Philippians 1:27-30

Over to you!

Do you believe in fasting?

If yes, how often do you fast?

Share with us some other additional benefits of fasting.