1. Jesus, Only Jesus
Fasting is primarily a spiritual activity, not a dieting exercise.
There’s no spiritual benefit to just not eating. So don’t get too
caught up in the details of what (you’re fasting) and forget the why
(deeper intimacy with Christ). That’s why we should exercise a food and reverse fast. In short, a reverse fast is when you intentionally make time during
your day to seek God more than you would typically. Where people tend to
spend most of their time focused on the food aspect
of a fast, a
reverse fast reverses the priorities and places them on God.
2. Focus Your Fast
Biblical fasting always accompanied a specific spiritual reason.
You may be facing a major decision or seeking a fresh start in life.
You may also be feeling distant from God and want to grow closer to
Him.
Write down 1-3 main things you’re praying and believing God for during your fast. Be bold. Dream.
Give the fast a reason to matter personally and spiritually to you. Spend time praying for these things, listening for God's direction, reading your Bible, etc.
By fasting, you are engaging in a spiritual battle. Know what you’re fighting for. It provides purpose and motivation.
When you have a reason for going into battle, you’ll fight harder,
longer and with more passion.
3. 100%, Not 98%
Right now, commit to yourself and God that you’re going to honor your
chosen fast 100% of the time. Not 98% or any other number lower than
100%. Why?
Let’s be honest: when you make an exception due to “extenuating
circumstances,” the odds of you completing the fast go down drastically.
If you justify doing it “just this once,” there’s nothing keeping you
from doing it again. When “cheating” on a fast, 99 out of 100 times it’s not a valid decision. It’s a lack of discipline. The next couple tips will help you stay at 100%. And even if you do drop below 100%,
start over again that day. You’re now back at 100%. God extends grace. Take it.
4. Make an Allowed List
Make a list of the foods you’re allowing yourself to eat and only eat
foods from that list.
And be specific. Specific types of foods (e.g.,
apples, bananas) within specific food groups (e.g., fruit).
Do this before you start your fast. Alternatively, make a list of fast-approved recipes and only eat those recipes during the fast. Inevitably, you will ask yourself the question: Is this allowed?
The list is designed to make that decision extremely easy, saving
your time and energy for much more important things. As you’re making the list, don’t get too caught up in the details
of what’s allowed or what’s not in the fast you are doing. For example, do whole
grains include whole-grain pasta or just whole-grain rice? It doesn’t
matter. Put it on the list, or don’t. You choose for yourself.
Fasting is a discipline, not a diet. Focus on the discipline of fasting, not the food you’re fasting.
Create a daily calendar. Every day, every meal, answer the question: What are you going to eat?
Again, it’s all about making decisions at the start, which
drastically reduces the number of stressful game-time decisions.
Game-time decisions are often when you’re the most tired, have the least
amount of energy, and have zero willpower to stick to your fast. Cook as many meals in one marathon cooking session as you can. Store it and have it ready to eat when you need it.
5. Plan, Plan, Plan
Identify potential roadblocks. Where in your schedule will you run
into some challenges during the fast? Maybe it’s a work party or
out-of-town travel. What are you going to do in those situations. See #3. Stick to your fast. You can create a detour now that you know where the roadblocks are.
Pack your meal for those occasions. Have something ready to eat when you
arrive at a roadblock. Remember the reason why you are doing the fast - your why behind your what.
