When is the last time you devoted 21 days to simply and exclusively seeking and finding, the Lord?
Jesus referred to fasting as a fact of Christian life, not an option. When our Savior spoke of fasting, he referred to it as something we must do, not as something we should consider doing. (Mark 2:18-20)
Paul began his ministry after a period of fasting. (Acts 13:2-3)
Fasting requires discipline. It is also a major weapon when it comes to deliverance from bondage, personal breakthrough, intercession and all manner of healing.
When we fast, we gain control over our flesh, and once we do, we are able to shift easily and powerfully, into the realm of the spirit. That is why so many people experience heightened supernatural awareness and such powerful connection to the Lord, while fasting.
When we look at eating in its’ strictest, biological sense, it is an act that actually takes a lot of work, and a lot of energy. The food must be procured, prepared, eaten, and digested. This requires focus and personal energy. There is a reason women in labor are advised to refrain from eating once labor ensues. Doing so allows the woman to channel all her attention and strength toward the experience of labor and the task of birthing her child. Digestion would literally sap and limit her strength.
Fasting allows us to literally ‘rise above’ fleshly impulses, and gain control over the bodily function of ingestion, digestion and naturally, expulsion. For this reason, many people report a sense of true freedom, alignment with the Lord and a new level of purity, while fasting.
Fasting allows us to experience the manifestation of 2 Corinthians 9:3 ~ And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.
Fasting can also be seen as literally sowing into our relationship with the Lord.
Fasting can get God’s attention powerfully, allowing you to call down healing and breakthrough, where before without fasting, there was none. (Daniel 9:3,19)
I advise you to keep it personal! Jesus instructed us to anoint ourselves while fasting (with oil), but then wash our face… Why? So that no one could tell we are fasting; so that there wasn’t any visible evidence. Why did Jesus say that? Because back then, just as today, there were those whose sole or primary goal was to receive recognition for their sacrifice/service. Jesus told us our fasting experience should be genuine, and authentic. To that end, it behooves us to keep it personal, and keep it private. Jesus assured us that God would see how we were fasting in private, and then reward us publicly. (Matthew 6:17-18)
NOTE: If you choose to adhere to the tradition of anointing yourself with oil, do so with olive oil in order to maintain scriptural accuracy. Anoint your forehead, and then pray that God anoints you with His own holy oil.
Question: How long should one fast?
Answer: You may fast for 1-3 days, for 7 days, or you may join me in fasting for 21 days. I encourage you to pray and seek the Lord as to the duration that is correct for you.
NOTE: For this 21-day fast, I will be drinking just pure liquids for the first 3 days, then consuming just fruits, vegetables, seeds and nuts for the remaining 18 days.
You may also choose to consume the Healing Broth (find the recipe elsewhere on this blog) throughout your fast.
Question: Should we abstain from all food while fasting?
Answer: Fasting in the purest sense, means abstaining from food. Some people choose to fast from television, video games, or sweets/desserts, and while this is good, it is not the definition of Scriptural fasting. Fasting means to abstain from food. Only you and the Lord (and perhaps your doctor, if that is appropriate) can decide what fasting formula is correct for you. I do not encourage anyone to fast on only water for 21 days.
Question: Will I be hungry?
Answer: Expect to be hungry, at first. But as your body adjusts to the consumption of little or different food, expect some wonderful changes! I have had reports of people feeling very peaceful, very “in tune” with God, I have even had reports of angelic visions.
Question: What things should I do while fasting?
Answer: Live your life, normally! If you work to attend school, do so. But please add frequent prayer, worship and praise, to your repertoire. This will further align you with God and bring you closer to the Lord. These things also powerfully shift your atmosphere, effectively ushering in the presence of the Holy Ghost!
Question: Are there people who should not fast?
Answer: Yes, and they fall into these categories: pregnant, breast-feeding, children or teens (because they are still growing), seniors or elderly (for health reasons), when ill or recovering from an illness (due to your body being in a weakened state), when anorexic or under weight, if suffering from a chronic health issue, such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney, liver or lung issues.
IN CLOSING…
Luke 14:27 says: And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be my disciple.
Isaiah 58:6,8,9 says: Is this not the fast that I have chosen: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke? ……. Then your light shall break forth like the morning, your healing shall spring forth speedily, and your righteousness 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 and He will say, Here I am.
Daniel 9:3, 19 says: Then I set my face toward the Lord God to make request by prayer and supplications, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes. Oh Lord, hear! Oh Lord, forgive! Oh Lord, listen and act! Do not delay for Your own sake, my God, for Your city and Your people are called by Your name.
In short, fasting lets God know that (1) you’ve read the Bible and you understand the definition, meaning, and value of fasting. (2) You long to grow closer to Him, and you mean it. (3) You need a breakthrough, and you’re ready to do what it takes.
I pray everyone joining me on this 21-day fast, is blessed! I prophesy healing, breakthrough, restoration and elevation over you, in the mighty and matchless name of Jesus! Hallelujah!
If you are joining me on this fast, you are welcome to let me know, by emailing me via the icon above. I would love to pray for you!
God bless you!
– Prophetess JoLynne Whittaker
