Making a Physical Break: Prepare Your Body

Your body has been in resting mode, especially if you have completed anything other than a partial fast for a sustained time. Your stomach has shrunk and your intestines have been idle. It is important to "break-fast" gradually; it is not wise to eat a large meal right away.

Especially if you have ingested only liquids during your fast, it is important to introduce solid foods slowly over a period of several days. It is best to begin with small amounts of fresh, raw, unprocessed fruits and vegetables until your body reawakens and adjusts its digestive system again.

Transitioning the Mental Fast: Prepare Your Mind

Fasting is not only a physical sacrifice. Mentally and emotionally, you have clung to the Lord during your days of fasting. In many ways, the psychological test will now begin as you re-enter the world and its accompanying distractions. It is vital that you remain steadfast in your pursuit of God and your fellowship with Him. Continual prayer and continual meditation upon His Word is essential.

As a baby bird must leave the nest and the comfort of its mother's wing, you must venture into the world in order to represent Christ as salt and light. It is much easier and much more comfortable to fellowship with Him in jealous privacy!

" 'You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.' " (Matthew 5:14-16).

As your physical fast ends, your discernment must sharpen. Jesus cautioned his disciples in Matthew 10:16, "I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves."

Be diligent and scrupulous in filtering everything through the Father. Many opportunities to serve may present themselves. Some may be perfectly noble causes, but they may not be God's best for you at this particular time. Concentrate on following Him in complete obedience, trusting Him to impress upon your heart the activities and services that He desires for you.

You may (and probably should!) continue to fast worldly things that can easily become a distraction and a hindrance in your walk with Christ: certain media outlets, certain activities, and certain relationships. Loosen the ties that bind you to the material world, and focus upon matters eternal.

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things." (Philippians 4:8).

Sustaining the Spiritual Fast: Prepare Your Heart

As you may have discerned, though your physical fast must eventually break, your spiritual fast must continue unceasingly. Fasting unto the Lord is not a single event but a chosen lifestyle that cleaves you to Him, His Word, and His Will.

As Elmer Towns writes in Fasting for Spiritual Breakthrough, a Guide to Nine Biblical Fasts, "When you break the fast, you should be in fellowship with Jesus Christ. You fasted and sought the presence of God in your life; now exit the fast with Him."

Warren W. Wiersbe is quoted as saying, "Simply to deprive ourselves of a natural benefit is not of itself fasting. We must devote ourselves to God and worship Him. Unless there is the devotion of heart, there is no lasting benefit."

The benefit of a true fast is a changed heart - a heart that rhythmically beats in unity with the Father's will. Though the physical fast ends, the spiritual feast continues!

"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."

(1 Corinthians 10:31)