What are the benefits of fasting?

 Pixabay

Non-believers do not understand why Christians need to fast. Pastor Shane Idleman from Westside Christian Fellowship says Christians do so because they want the Holy Spirit to lead, guide, and convict them.

In an article for Charisma News Idleman writes that it is always the flesh that holds people back from the things of God, so fasting is biblical and is considered a very important spiritual discipline.

When people fast, they starve the flesh but bring spiritual insight and wisdom to themselves. On the other hand, when people cave into the flesh, the Holy Spirit is unable to do the work for them as what God wants.

"When God tells you to fast and you do it, it's going to benefit you," Idleman says. "Some of the physical benefits of fasting are that it helps with aging, it gives you a better attitude, you have better resistance to disease, you sleep better, you change your habits, you have clearer skin, it improves your senses, you have more clarity and more energy, and so on. I don't know of anyone that wouldn't want those things."

There are at least two Biblical examples when it comes to fasting. Daniel fasted for three weeks and refrained from eating luxurious royal food that the king offered. He made a covenant to refuse foods that are forbidden by God, and only ate vegetables and beans. Because he did so, Daniel received heightened spiritual insight, says Idleman.

During His time on earth, Jesus also underwent a 40-day fast, adds the pastor. It wasn't easy, but after enduring the wilderness, the power of the Holy Spirit was stronger than ever within Him.

"You're either disciplining your body, or your body is disciplining you," says Idleman.

related articles
Pastor Shane Idleman cites real reason why many churches close and members leave
Pastor Shane Idleman cites real reason why many churches close and members leave

Pastor Shane Idleman cites real reason why many churches close and members leave

Pastor Shane Idleman: More Christian preachers needed to \'bring America, and the world, to their knees\'
Pastor Shane Idleman: More Christian preachers needed to 'bring America, and the world, to their knees'

Pastor Shane Idleman: More Christian preachers needed to 'bring America, and the world, to their knees'

Shane Idleman cites 5 things Christians in America should do first before voting
Shane Idleman cites 5 things Christians in America should do first before voting

Shane Idleman cites 5 things Christians in America should do first before voting

Pastor Shane Idleman on how people can overcome the pain of regret
Pastor Shane Idleman on how people can overcome the pain of regret

Pastor Shane Idleman on how people can overcome the pain of regret

Pastor Shane Idleman makes \'tear-stained plea\' to fellow Pastor Joel Osteen: Preach both difficult and joyful truths
Pastor Shane Idleman makes 'tear-stained plea' to fellow Pastor Joel Osteen: Preach both difficult and joyful truths

Pastor Shane Idleman makes 'tear-stained plea' to fellow Pastor Joel Osteen: Preach both difficult and joyful truths

News
Chris Pratt says Jesus is essential to his life
Chris Pratt says Jesus is essential to his life

Hollywood actor Chris Pratt continues to boldly affirm his Christian faith, most recently by naming Jesus as one of the top things he simply cannot live without. 

Cathedrals Cycle Relay concludes in Bradford after 2,000 miles
Cathedrals Cycle Relay concludes in Bradford after 2,000 miles

The 2,000-mile journey connected more than 40 cathedrals across the UK.

Four ways to change how Christians are portrayed in the media
Four ways to change how Christians are portrayed in the media

National denominations and big Christian organisations can do so much – but motivated local churches, seeking to win coverage on their doorsteps, could help transform how the Church is perceived across the country and beyond.

London resident threatens to sue council over trans display
London resident threatens to sue council over trans display

The display was made in honour of the controversial Tavistock clinic