Happy New Year! Oh, what a great time to start a new course and establish the direction for the coming months. Beginning the New Year with a period of extended prayer and fasting is the most perfect way to start. And especially since hundreds of thousands (if not millions) of believers around the world will all be opening their hearts to God at the same time! We are blessed to be together for this powerful spiritual experience.
So, when does the New Year Fast begin? Most churches, study groups and individuals begin the fast on January 4th. However, whatever date the Lord leads you to begin your fast is the right date for you.
If you are fasting with others or with a church congregation, you will want to follow the leaders and the dates they establish.
Most people begin the fast being highly focused on the food and the changes to their menus. I encourage you to keep your meals simple and easy to prepare. One of the greatest mistakes I see today is that people put way too much focus on the food, and miss out on the powerful spiritual benefits of the fasting experience. Remember, this is a fast (which means to restrict food for a spiritual purpose). Keep the main thing the main thing. Eat simply. And invest most of your time and attention on your Lord.
Most people will fast for 21 consecutive days. There are some fasts where you don’t eat at all during daylight hours, and then eat whatever you desire or within some guidelines after sundown.
Put your flesh where it belongs . . . under submission. One of the most powerful lessons you can learn on Fast is how to put your flesh in its rightful place, which is under the authority of God. Your flesh may throw a fit.
It might try to sabotage you and tempt you to break the fast or change the guidelines to satisfy it’s desires. But we are called to walk in the Spirit and not by the flesh. You can work on your self-control muscles during the fast and realize that you don’t have to give in to the whims of your flesh. I truly believe this is one of the most powerful lessons you can learn during your fast.
If you have health issues then be sure to follow the advice of your earthly physician as you pray to your Great Physician.
Due to medical needs or special issues, you many need to modify the fast. Keep the core of the fast and make the slight adjustment. This is the same for pregnant or nursing mothers and for athletes who expend a lot of energy.
Get support and encouragement from your Pastor. Also, keep visiting our sites as we update and add helpful information and tips almost every day.
Meanwhile, open your heart to the Lord and submit yourself to Him. Allow Him to direct your steps as you begin this New Year and as you enter into this fasting experience.
Be blessed!
