Fasting means one has to surrender completely, the body and the spirit,before God. Intermittent fasting has numerous health benefits, including weight loss,enhances the body's resistance to stress,May help disease like cancer,Its improve brain function,Improves your immune system, Increases life span,help to clear skin and get rid of acne,significantly raises growth hormone levels,maintain lean muscle tissue,lowers the risk of deadly diseases,improve insulin sensitivity.
In order to achieve anything,it is important to resolve firmly and have burning desire. Undertaking a fast is a way to cleanse the body, bring about stability of mind and enhance the power of concentration. The mind easily gets attracted to sense objects and we generally have a tendency to keep eating something or other, even if we are not hungry. Fasting really means to exercise restraint and not to allow the mind to get distracted.Instead, one has to concentrate on performing rituals and try to be in tune with the divine.
Fasting not only means exercising restraint on eating habits but also on speech,and how we relate with fellow beings. This way, one develops a sense of sacrifice to some of the urges that come from the sensuous objects and desires from time to time.This promotes a healthy lifestyle and creates an atmosphere pf peace,love and compassion.
Why should we fast:- The Bible lists a variety of reasons for engaging in a fast.Fasting and praying are Bible-based disciplines that are appropriate for all believers of all ages throughout all centuries in all parts of the world.
1.Fast help to secure favour in situations.
2.Fasting prepares us for seasons of life-Moses fasted before he received the law, Jesus fasted prior to the start of His earthly ministry, Paul fasted before the start of his missionary ministry.Acts.13:2 "While they are worshipping the Lord and fasting,the Holy Spirit said,"Set apart for me Barnabas and saul for the work to which I have called them."
3.Fasting gives us greater awareness of God's presence. Isa.58:8-9 "Then your light shall break forth like the dawn,and your healing shall spring up quickly;your vindicator, shall go before you,the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call,and the Lord will answer;you shall cry for help,and he will say,Here I am.If you remove the yoke from among you,the pointing of the finger,the speaking of evil."
4.Fast help us Discern God's will and breaks satan's Grip.
5.When you fast, you are going to see God show up in the midst of your situation.
Spiritual Benefits of Fasting : A soul cleansing, a new desire for God, a deeper praise,a sensitivity to God's voice,a new satisfaction in own life as well as others also.
Observing strict fasting (starvation) throughout the day has a scientific and medical validity also. In addition to giving rest to organs of the digestive system,it generates tremendous amount of heat in the body that is capable of eradicating many ailments and ensures maintenance of good health.Fasting really means to practice relinquishing attachment to the material world and have a firm resolve to attain self-realisation.