Systematic Fasting, Strategic Results

By Ryan Coats

Strategic Fasting, Systematic Results is power packed with rich information that will teach you the basic strategies of fasting while advancing your techniques to fast at a new level. In this book you will discover the S.I.M.P.L.E system of fasting created by Ryan C. Coats that will yield God-given results, every time. Strategic Fasting, Systematic Results highlights key principles you need to understand in the dynamics of fasting which include:

*A biblical definition of fasting
*Types of fast
*Ineffective fasting
*How to fast strategically
*A fasting protocol
*How to get systematic results

Fasting should not be viewed as another religious task that believers should do. Fasting from a theological perspective was designed to bring illumination to obscure matters, be a partner to prayer, a spiritual weapon in warfare, and a gateway to glory. Lay your monotonous fasting about the same issues to rest and discover the new life of fasting that is exciting, fulfilling and rewarding. Let Systematic Fasting, Strategic Results guide you in a soul stirring experience to all that God has promised you!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ryan Coats
• Release date: Oct 24, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005317270

Book preview

Introduction

The art of fasting is an ancient exercise still practiced today by many religions and cultures. The multidimensional benefits it houses make it relatively popular, even in modern society. Fasting has become a way of life in some wellness circles, as well as within the church. Christian-based fasting has its roots in the Bible as Jesus himself participated in it. However, due to a generation that prefers quick fixes to lose weight and instant miracles, some have taken the spirituality out of the original meaning of fasting. Eliminating the holiness from fasting has turned it into another fad or trend, and into just another form of extreme dieting and appetite suppression.

In modern times, people deprive themselves of food and water, and abstained from special delicacies to cleanse their digestive system, repair a health condition, lose weight, and most often, to break some type of bad habit. Although the reasons to fast may be satisfactory for some, believers must understand the central theme of fasting is for a much greater purpose—to focus on and to hear the Word of God.

Fasting is an intimate act; it was designed for you to let go of immoral behaviors and strengthen your relationship with God. Today, some believers only fast out of obligation for an annual tradition or because it is mandated by the church to do so. It has become more of a habitual practice to obey rather than the spiritual sacrifice it was intended to be. Although following the guidance of a pastor or spiritual leader is honorable, you must be very careful not to lose sight of the purpose and reasons why you fast. If you are not vigilant and steadfast with your goals, you will be less motivated to complete the fast and may not experience any significant spiritual or physical change in your life. When a person yields to this aimless mindset, autopilot sets in and fasting will become boring, unproductive, and ultimately, pointless.

Voluntarily abstaining from any kind of indulgences, such as food, water, sex, entertainment, or even hanging out with friends in a non-worshipping atmosphere, for any extended period can be very challenging. If you are a believer and willing to make the commitment to fast, it might as well be done right. I can guarantee you will receive the complete benefit package that God has envisioned for you. Fasting was never meant to be approached with a sluggish, indolent, and lethargic attitude. It requires laser-sharp focus, and you must be deliberate and strategic in your pursuit.

This book is designed to break the repetitious cycles of fruitless fasting by enlightening believers on the theology of fasting. God gave us the blueprint for fasting in the Holy Scriptures! I’ll share some of the books and passages throughout this guide.

The S.I.M.P.L.E. System of fasting, which will be discussed in more depth in Chapter 7, was developed to help you have a greater aim and focus when you fast. This system, partnered with the Holy Spirit as your guide, will allow every person—novice or experienced—to receive the results both you and God desire. Whether you are a beginner and completely new to the idea of fasting, or have done several cycles, there is a place for you in this book. Do not waste any more of your precious time going through the motions and not seeing a breakthrough. It is time for you, the believer, to grow in God and advance in your spiritual journey. I will walk you through the key steps of the S.I.M.P.L.E method of fasting so you can discover an abundance of rewards and get real, tangible RESULTS!

DISCLAIMER: This book is not intended to provide professional medical advice, or to take the place of medical guidance and treatment from your personal physician. The author nor the publisher take responsibility for any possible consequences from any action taken by individuals reading or following the information in this book. It is vital that the reader always consult their personal physician or other certified health care professional before undertaking any change in their nutritional regimen, whether fasting or dieting.

Chapter 1

Dynamics of Fasting

Throughout history, the basic idea of fasting has been described as a period in which you do not consume food or water. The absence of food is the simplified definition of fasting, however, the systematic nature behind fasting is much more comprehensive. To understand the true meaning of the concept and to comprehend the principles of fasting, let us first examine its origin.

Fasting is a common ancient ritual, but it is also one of the most misunderstood disciplines among religious or holy practices. The concept of fasting can be seen in just about every unified religious sector in the world. However, many know very little about the interesting dynamics that fasting has to offer. The Christian landmark of fasting has become a lost art amongst laity and even the clergy. Some believe it is an antiquated practice that no longer needs to be observed. It even has a negative connotation in some religious and spiritual communities.

The minute senior leadership calls for an all-church fast, the reaction of some is, Awe man, I can’t eat! Instead of meditating on the good news that God wants to do something special and awesome for us through the act of fasting, we focus on what we cannot do for a short period of time. People are sometimes leery of giving up nourishment and other pleasures, and going through pain, especially when they are not certain of the pending benefits or rewards.

Fasting in the Old Testament

According to The Complete Word Study Dictionary: Old Testament, fasting is a verb meaning to refrain from food for various reasons, such as a sign of mourning, distress, and seeking God’s mercy (Judges 20:26, I Sam 7:6, 31:13). In the Old Testament of the Holy Scriptures, one of the original Hebrew terms for fast is called tsum (tsoom), and it loosely means to cover over the mouth. Fasting is the voluntarily covering of the mouth to keep one from eating or the denying oneself of food. Whether it be a day or multiple days, a believer abstains from food and water as a way to reflect and repent in the eyes of God. Fasting can be considered a form of worship and recognition to a personal God. Fasting, in this case, was a time set aside to acknowledge the Lord and to show reverential love and devotion to Him.

Another term for fasting comes from the Old English phrase faestan, meaning to abstain from food as a sacred, religious, and devout duty. It also means to hold firmly, steadily control oneself, and grasp to an observance. Faestan stems from the Gothic term for fasten, and it signifies to keep, observe, and to fast. It signified a religious duty to become psychologically prepared to exhibit control over their own being. It suggests that fasting was an agreement used to harness one’s behavior and to discipline the whole person. Exhibiting this type of temperance and self-control was done to keep, hear, watch, and adhere to an ordinance.

During a fast, a person is willingly withholding the sustenance needed to fuel their body. Unless genetically manufactured, food comes from either a plant or animal, and consists of essential nutrients for the body, such as carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, or minerals. Food sustains biological development, produces energy, stimulates physical growth, and maintains life. Therefore, the practice of fasting should be taken very seriously because refraining from physical nourishment can weaken the body but also strengthen the spirit (Psalm 109:24).

In addition, it can signify a public fast (I Kings 21:9, 12) (II Samuel 12:16). Some fasts were observed regularly or annually, such as in the time of Queen Esther (Esther 9:31, Zechariah 8:19). We will talk about her a little later. The term tsum not only deals specifically with the act of fasting but the practice of fasting on a regular basis. It was viewed as a very serious time and sacred customs were to be vigorously observed.

Fasting in the New Testament

In the New Testament, there are several Greek terms to describe fasting. Nesteuo (nace-tyoo-o) means to abstain from food and drink partially or completely as a religious exercise. This term could be interpreted to be (1) the entire abstention if the fast lasted only for a single day, (2) the abstention from select foods, or (3) the abstention that continued several days. It traces back to the term nestis (nace-tis), a combination of ne (not) and esthio (es-thee-o) (to eat). Although there are various types of fasting, this particular term denotes one who will not eat or drink for a relatively lengthy or extended period of time.

Another New Testament term for fasting in the Greek is nesteia (nace-ti-ah). This is the feminine version of the noun signifying abstinence, and the voluntary religious process of private or public fasting. Public fasting was required by the Mosaic Law and practiced yearly on the tenth of the month of Tisri,