Fasting Food for Thought

Fasting food for thought

Why 21 Days?

God uses a few numbers repeatedly throughout His Word to accomplish His plan.  The breakthrough periods in fasting seem to line up like this:  1) half-fast —until 3:00pm; 2) 24 hrs; 3) 3 days; 4) 7 days; 5) 14 days; 6) 21 days; 7) 30 days; and 40 days.  This seems strange that there are time periods related to spiritual victory.  Take a moment to think about it, God does the same thing with our tithe.  The blessings do not come after 5% or 9% but only after 10% has been given to Him.  We have chosen 21 days specifically because the number 3 represents the Holy Trinity and 7 is the number of completeness or perfection.  Thus 3 times 7 = 21 – “Holy Perfection”.  After completion always comes a new beginning. Begin today to expect God to “perfect” your holiness!

77 Year Old Physician Fasts 53 days

Dr. Henry S. Tanner, a medical doctor in the 1880’s sought to prove fasting could improve a person’s health.  At the age of 50, under strict supervision, Dr. Tanner fasted for 43 days without food.  The newspapers covered the story.  At the conclusion of this fast he claimed to have seen Heaven, angels, and the Lord Jesus Christ.  Tanner became a pioneer for the advancement of fasting.  He taught it and prescribed it to his patients.

At age 60, he fasted for 50 days.  In the middle of this he saw “the unspeakable glories of God”.  He came out of his fast feeling 30 years younger and looked only 40.

At age 77, Dr. Tanner fasted for 53 days.  His gray hair was replaced by new black hair.  It was the same color that it was when he was a young man.  He died at the age of 93.

Abiding in the Secret Place with the Most High

Through His Word God has appointed special places to meet with man,  sometimes on a hilltop, a certain city, by a well, and always in the sanctuary.  Places are important to Him.  It also is important for you to find a special place to meet with God, a place where you can be alone with Him.  Here are four tips for your special secret place.

1) Music helps!  Playing worship music can help us get into an atmosphere where we can commune with God. 

2) Let God’s Word be your food.  The written Word of God is one of the greatest gifts God has given to His children.  Read passages that refresh your soul as you afflict your flesh.  As you read, listen for God to speak. 

3) Document your prayer time.  It is important to keep open and paper with you while you meet with God.  We document our business meetings at work, why not our meetings with God?  Companies have earned millions by selling “post-it” notes and “Day planners” so we will not forget.  Record what God shows you so you can remember. 

4) Anticipation.  Expect God to be there when you call upon Him.  As you give up meal time for “God” time you show your desire for His habitation rather than a short visit.  He said if we would come close to Him, He would come close to us.