Fasting — the intentional abstaining from food or drink for the purposes of spiritual revival or the forging of a closer relationship with the Lord — has long been a Christian practice seen as deeply beneficial.
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It’s a habit Pastor Shane Idleman of Westside Christian Fellowship in Leona Valley, California, has championed, arguing it holds power to bring people closer to the Lord.
“As you’re praying and fasting more, you’re really drawn in to just experiencing God in a more profound and powerful way,” Idleman told CBN’s Faithwire. “One thing about fasting is it doesn’t bend God’s arm, but it bends my knees in a time of prayer and seeking Him.
Idleman believes fasting can offer a spiritual recharge and a deeper relationship with the Almighty. And the preacher isn’t alone.
“Scripture does not command Christians to fast. God does not require or demand it of Christians,” the Christian website GotQuestions.org notes. “At the same time, the Bible presents fasting as something that is good, profitable, and beneficial.”
As for Idleman, fasting became part of his spiritual walk about a decade ago when he kept seeing fasting pop up throughout the Scriptures. He started to see the practice unfold in various Christian biographies from believers in the early church and church fathers.
“It was a matter of just denying the flesh so I can pursue God,” he said.
Watch Idleman explain:
Over time, Idleman has made fasting a part of his life, crediting it with positively impacting his preaching and daily life.
While he often had food cravings throughout the day, fasting now enables him to become more physically — and spiritually — centered.
“Anytime God calls us to do something spiritually, there are physical benefits,” Idleman said.
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