Your Wisdom and Knowledge is Limited if You're Not Fasting

The New Testament emphasizes how we should conduct ourselves while fasting. Fasting should be a personal matter and should only be shared with others if it involves someone fasting alongside us for a specific reason or for a particular person.

"When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth; they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your unseen Father; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you" Matthew 6:16-18.

Well, based on the above scripture, there is indeed a reward for a genuine fast. Nevertheless, your reward can be limited if you attempt to make your fasting period publicized. In fact, scripture clearly says that those who make it a point to look distressed during fasting have received their reward in full. Simply put, their reward would be the compliments and accolades given to them during the broadcasting of their fast, such as how disciplined they are, how much they love the Lord, their commitment to the Lord, etc. However, as far as the actual result of fasting is concerned, such as breaking yokes, undoing heavy burdens, setting the oppressed free, etc., this will never be manifested in that person's life.

We are encouraged to treat fasting as a personal matter between ourselves and God. In fact, we are advised to refresh our outward appearance and not to show any signs of fasting to others. Scripture tells us that God, who is invisible, will see the fasting we do in secret and will reward us publicly. From my experience, I believe that one of the rewards God provides is a surge of wisdom and clarity.

Isaiah 58:10 says, "Then shall your light rise in the darkness, and your obscurity and gloom become like the noonday." Light in this text symbolizes knowledge and wisdom, while darkness indicates ignorance. So, according to scripture, a fast will elevate your knowledge and wisdom, dispelling the ignorance that once overwhelmed you. In other words, be prepared to understand things you did not know before, either after or during fasting.

It didn't end there; it stated that your obscurity and gloom would become like the noonday. "obscurity" refers to something or someone that is unclear, ambiguous, vague, or uncertain. In contrast, "gloom" is defined as total or partial darkness and dimness. Before I continue, it's important to note that Isaiah, the prophet, is suggesting that the children of Israel may lack knowledge, experience confusion, and, in the worst-case scenario, be consumed by ignorance due to their lack of fasting or fasting incorrectly.

However, he has simultaneously provided the remedy for the born-again believer who thinks they have it all together. That is to enter a genuine fast to stimulate, replenish, restore, or impart much-needed spiritual knowledge, wisdom, and understanding. Therefore, a fast will cause your once obscurity and gloom to be dissolved and your wisdom and insight to come forth or replace what you were unaware of.

The most frightening and challenging aspect of this situation is that there are Christians who have never fasted throughout their entire Christian journey. Even more concerning, some of these individuals preach to others. Regardless of one's perspective, fasting should be a fundamental discipline for every Christian who intends to upgrade and, more importantly, be relevant to the things of God and the spiritual realm. True fasting is designed to propel you forward and provide breakthroughs that ordinary prayer might not achieve.

As a side note, show me a Christian who does not fast, and I will show you a confused, lost, and misguided believer with little if any Godly manifestations in their life.

Written By: Kevin L A Ewing

ewinglakevin@icloud.com

kevinlaewing.blogspot.com