Matthew 4:4, But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’”
The word “fast” in the Bible means to put your hand over your mouth as to not eat. When people say they are fasting television, or social media, they are not actually performing a Biblical fast. Now, of course, anytime you lay something down to spend more time with God, there are tangible blessings, but true fasting always deals with setting aside food for a season. It makes sense why setting aside food is significant when you remember that the first sin was over man’s diet. Genesis 3:11 “Have you eaten from the tree whose fruit I commanded you not to eat?”
70% of Americans are overweight which opens the door to a slew of sickness and disease. The Journal of the American Medical Association estimated that 51% of all deaths in America could have be prevented by dietary changes. American Heart Association estimates that up to 80% of cases of heart disease could be prevented by dietary changes. I recently heard another statistic that over 60% of people in the Hospital right now are there for a disease caused by the food that they eat.
The United States is reaping the consequences of the sin of gluttony. Galatians 6:8 “Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction.” The Lord will forgive you for abusing your body, but if you choose to live like the rest of the world in this area, you are inviting the enemy to attack your health.
Make no mistake about it, if you violate the Word of God in regards to your diet, you will not live a long and healthy life. Prayer for healing is not a substitute for a stomach that is not submitted to the Word. Phil 3:19 “Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach”
Believe it or not, this is one of the hardest areas to preach on! I’ve seen people get visibly angry at me when I teach along these lines. But, I feel a boldness to expose the strategy of the enemy. Do not give him access to what you consume! Turn it around on him, and begin to use your diet to glorify God. 1 Tim 4:5 TPT “All that we eat is made sacred by the Word of God and prayer.” 1 Corinthians 10:31 – “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
Years ago I went to my favorite fast food place, and while I was in line I felt terribly grieved. I had to leave and eat someplace else. The next day, I went back, I was grieved again so I left. A week later I went again, same experience. I finally asked the Lord why He didn’t want me to eat there. He said, “I’m not going to tell you why, but I want you to trust Me that I always know what’s best for you” Several months later the place was shut down. Involve the Holy Spirit, ask Him for help in 2024!