Fasting is...

Fasting is hard.  There is no other way to say it.  If someone says it's not, their lying!  It is hard to give up the nature desires of our flesh.  It is hard to say no to the gnawing of hunger in the pit of your belly when you still have to make food or serve food or be in the general vacinity of food.  That is why there is GRACE for fasting.  We have to ask for it, HE is always faithful to give it because fasting is a kingdom concept; one we all should embrace.  The New Testament Church history records the early christian's fasting at least once a week, but most of them did it twice, usually on Wednesdays and Fridays.  That is lifestyle, not just a "when the preacher calls a fast" type thing.  That is the basics.  It is not radical. 

• Fasting is an invitation by the Father.  He is not going to make us, what kind of relationship is that?  No, it is an invitation because He wants me to want MORE of HIM. 
• Fasting is a paradox.  Food (and things) are used to stimulate us, they give us the illusion of strength.  But as we begin to fast from food (things) our illusion of strength disappears and we stand raw and tender before the Father.  Weak and hungry, our spirits are sensitive to the HOLY SPIRIT.  And in that sensitivity, our Spirit is strengthened. 
• Fasting is a grace.  As voluntary weakness is embraced, knowing our strength is coming only from the FATHER, we walk in more spiritual strength.  His Grace is multiplied to those who seek it.  (2 Peter 1:2; 3:18)
• Fasting is humbling.  Psalm 35:13; Psalm 69:10
• Fasting is worship.  It declares our need for HIM.  As we fast out of our desire for him, we become better equipped to pour out our lives right back into His hands. 

As we fast regularly, our paradigm changes and the rhythm of our body sets in.  It could be compared to running.  As you are building miles (or a mile, as the case may be), it is painful.  But as the miles build, endurance is achieved and your body creates a pace.  Does it become easy, NO.  But it does become more a part of who you are. 

Oh ABBA, daddy, that you would work this fasting lifestyle in me.  That it would become a rhythm of who I am.  That my heart would hotly pursue you above all else.  I want more of you, so I come...meet me and give me the GRACE for this discipline.