And Jesus said to them, "Can you make the wedding guests fast as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; and then they will fast in those days." Luke 5:34-35 [AMP]
Have you ever fasted? If so, why did you do it? What is it about fasting that petitions God to act? I have fasted many times in my Christian walk and there are several reasons why you might do it. One of them is given right here. Jesus is pretty much telling the Pharisees that challenged Him, that fasting serves a purpose in the absence of the physical presence of Jesus. Jesus tells them that when He is taken from them (in this case ascended into Heaven) that they will fast then. Quite simply, in this instance, fasting is appropriate preparation for a special imparting of the Spirit.
When I fast, I am depraving myself of sustenance that makes me hungry; when I feel a hunger pang, I dive into prayer for the thing I am fasting for. Usually, it’s over a decision where I am beseeching the Lord for His wisdom and maybe even a confidence in the Spirit that I am moving in the right direction. Other times I am fasting in prayer for someone and asking for an imparting of the Spirit in their circumstance. Normally I fast from sundown to sundown and relegate myself to liquids only (Coffee, Tea, or Water).
Fasting is powerful and it is important to fast in private (as to not be tempted to boast). Additionally, fasting should cause joy and anticipation for what God is already doing to answer your prayers…no moping around because you are hungry. Using the hunger pangs as a instigator of prayer is super effective. If you have a big decision to make in your family, our you have someone in your life group who is going through a struggle and they need wisdom…think about fasting in those circumstances.
When we are caught up to Heaven, fasting will no longer be necessary for we will be united with the Bridegroom and fasting will once again lose its necessity.