Does fasting help? - Ask Dr. Stanley

Fasting is a biblical practice with many powerful examples in Scripture. Dr. Charles Stanley shares the purpose and benefits of fasting for the believer in Jesus Christ.
In Touch Ministries, 2010. For more messages from Charles Stanley, including this week's broadcast, go to www.intouch.org/watch

[@NobleWolf33]

I love fasting for the Holy Spirit . I love the feeling of purity, and knowing all my sins are forgiven, and feeling his holy presence of overwhelming love 😭😭 im not one to cry , nor emotional...but boy do I get emotional, I don't know why....I just feel so overwhelmed by Christ's Love . It's beautiful

[@boldasalion2911]

Dr. Charles Stanley is resting in peace with our creator now, yet he is still here on KZbin guiding souls to the one and only truth in Jesus Christ, amen!

[@cryptoukman5278]

Wow I never knew that 🤷🏽‍♂️ thanks for sharing ❤

[@cathrine5402]

im on day 7 of a long fast. i pray alot and yes its worth it.

[@kmoore899]

Fasting is not commanded. However, it is expected. That is the reason he said "when" as it is expected. He said when you pray, when you fast, when you give. All three are not commanded, however, they are expected.

[@sjet12]

Amen and amen, it also weakens the flesh and when we are weak HE is strong!!!

[@thedayisnigh5886]

fasting says to God I need you, it shows you want God's attention, fasting shows you who you are on the inside, God digs deeper it heightens your spiritual awareness, it expresses urgency we set aside everything. many advantages. It cleanses us from evil and gets us to see things from his propespctive and also ones. Obey God and live with the consequences it may may sound daunting but it is the only way to live life to the full 🌕

[@jassyssecret]

God bless u and this ministry Dr Charles Stanley

[@susanfanning9480]

I admire pastor Stanley very much and I know he is credible and full of wisdom.

[@David-gq9ey]

Fasting is for important matters

[@lauradalgetty7775]

I have been watching Charles Stanley for at least 20 years and I just love him, he's about the only preacher on television that I would like! I want to start a fast but I'm not really sure how to go about it I need to pass for a situation and I want God to know that I'm really serious about this situation so is fasting a good idea for that reason? I need someone's advice here thank you

[@bridgetmcintyre862]

To God Be All The Glory! Praise the Lord Jesus!

[@nece857]

I feel sad because I need to Fast so God can take my thoughts captive obedient to him .

[@kateholycross6866]

Take heart, Jesus loves you! Don't let the enemy condemn you. If you feel the conviction that you need to fast then fast!!! I pray your thoughts are healed in Jesus name!!!

[@patriciavrtis6367]

Help me get through my fast, Lord Jesus, my flesh is weak...thank you my Heavenly Father for your Holy Spirit for HIS Help...

[@johntokarski7487]

Fasting helps spiritually and also physically.

[@bobbivaneman1584]

THANK YOU, DR. STANLEY FOR YOUR WONDERFUL WORDS OF WISDOM. WE CHRISTIANS NEED GUIDANCE & ENLIGHTENMENT SO DESPERATELY, ESPECIALLY IN THESE LAST DAYS. YOU ARE SO APPRECIATED ! GOD BLESS YOU & YOUR FAMILY. 💝

[@pranabnayak8513]

It is 2019 l am watching so anointing

[@Nothing-d4n]

thanks for always using the Bible and the word it is very refreshing you are definitely spreading and teaching the word of god.

[@dabzprincess92]

Wow I never understood until now when dr. Stanley explained it in plain terms about fasting. I am so thankful to you my Lord and Savior Jesus for everyday I learn something new with dr. Stanley and other people but especially dr. Stanley when it comes to your word. I typed this I know you know what's in my heart and what's in my brain before I even got to KZbin's comment section. However because it is that important and I am that grateful and I hope this can reach just one person that is on the fence about the true word of God and Christianity in a way that only God could come through me and reach them to believe the Lord and accept Christ into their heart and make the decision to be a true Christian everyday not just on Sundays.

[@kimberleerivera7062]

Glory to GOD!!! Thank you so very much Charles Stanley, I thank GOD for you! I have asked my pastor who referred me to another pastor and still I really didn not think I was getting it. You have just plainly and exactly explained what I believe I needed to know in order to begin learning how to fast and pray - thank you very kindly!

[@SD-mm5uh]

I'm glad I ran this one by your ministry before I started this fast. Good looking out Dr. Stanley,..as always I appreciate you.

[@LianaSeini]

True Fasting changes You not God because he doesn’t change as it is written. I think it may not be a command but it is an invitation and one that would benefit the believer .....

[@grrampersad5893]

Dr Stanley your simply the best

[@kaym.h.3583]

Yes I fast quit a bit and have lost around 65 pounds.....I'll keep praying harder...thank you Dr. Stanley

[@bridgetmcintyre862]

Praise the Lord Jesus. To God Be All The Glory!

[@gladiator1342]

Love Dr. Stanley for plain Spiritual teaching.

[@lindymaj]

God bless this man for the word of God he is spreading to all Christians all over the world.

[@inthenameofjesus9330]

Ahhh my brother in Christ , my family in Christ.i love you

[@donaldmartin6269]

Amen. From 2011 but so many recent comments.

[@norny1967]

God bless you Pastor Stanley...

[@zhvabzadak6729]

I thank God for your caring heartly ministery Pastor Stanley, we love you♥ n appreciate you so much♥in Yeshua Messiah Amen♥Shalom

[@jenniferdavidson5657]

Thank you brother stanley.

[@leonardngugi6623]

Thank you dr Charles for teaching of fasting and praying..

[@mrs.c5265]

Thank you god for this true man of God🙏🙌

[@lauriewolfe2959]

Amen. Great message Dr Stanley.

[@Sweetgirl1980]

Thankyou pastor Stanley I have been listening to your teaching for many years and teaching of your ministry have shown me direction of god’s way .

[@Kgiedd1]

God . I need you

[@christophersedlak1147]

God bless!

[@ianhinrichsendrummer2113]

Would a smoking fast count as fasting? Say for one week? (also will help me to give up)

[@ernestebuwa2475]

Am impressed by this teaching, thank u sir.

[@kalemphabien3148]

God bless you my pastor

[@busanteacher2011]

Thank you Dr. Stanley. I needed to listen to this message.

[@latoyamarie3698]

Thank you I now have a better understanding 🙏🏾

[@honeylove777]

Thank You Jesus!

[@chiquejamil13]

amen well said dr stanley.thank you for letting us reach god and help us understand more about gods words.

[@balladsamu]

i love the word of you pastor Stanley you are helping me to understand God more and more

[@nicolewinston135]

This video was so wonderful. Made so much sense. Thank you and God bless.

[@sallygrace1495]

AMEN

[@supritiphani1282]

While Listening to all the Messages from you it is Clear - you are God's person

[@kendallminter]

Amen!

[@denastever2110]

💜hope your enjoying your retirement👍👏💜great message. I love you Jesus💜🔱📯

[@therapistinthewoods]

There’s nothing like fasting to humble you. It’s a reminder of our immortality and weak physical human body. We are not self sustaining beings. We depend on God to sustain us. If God allowed a war to be waged where we live, and food was no where to be found, we would eventually die. When I fast, I feel gratitude for peacetime, where food is abundant….I’m reminded, fasting is a luxury too. It’s a divine invitation to see the reality of the human form, and the reality of the circumstances around us. Praise be to God. May God save us all from the fires of hell. May all souls go to heaven, especially those in most need of Gods Mercy. Amen.

[@kateholycross6866]

Jesus loves you and died for you!!! He loves you so individually. Have a blessed day

[@kateholycross6866]

Remember Jesus is enough and He's ALL that you need. No one/nothing else will ever satisfy you. Also, I went onto the Bible app and pulled up a random piece of Scripture and it ended up one Jonah 2. I want to share it with you. "As my life was slipping away, I remembered the LORD. And my earnest prayer went out to you in your holy Temple. Those who worship false gods turn their backs on all God's mercies." (Jonah 2:7-8) So worship and meditate only on the LORD so you can experience all His mercies. And, I'll leave you with the message Jonah gave all the people of Ninevah. "On the day Jonah entered the city, he shouted to the crowds: "Forty days from now Ninevah will be destroyed!" The people of Ninevah BELIEVED God's message, and from the greatest to the least, they declared a FAST and put on burlap to show their sorrow." (Jonah 3:4-5) How cool that God led us to a Scripture about people repenting of their evil ways an FASTING. Wanted to leave you with that encouragement. Turn away from idols and false gods and turn to the One true Living God! Don't let the gods of this world take the place of the One God who loves you and died for you on the cross. Meditate and rest on Him alone and His Word. Jesus loves you!!! Hope this encourages you :)))) I love you but JESUS LOVES YOU EVEN MORE!!!!

[@fatherforgivemeiamasinner2107]

Great video

[@nchortimothy5654]

I am very grateful to God for your life for always blessing me with the word of God.

[@jennellemaebayangdan3504]

Amen

[@juliberk]

I feel that it IS expected for the believer to fast. If it was optional scripture would have said “If you fast” and not “Whenever you fast...”.

[@josephmwangi5046]

God bless you

[@ladychatelaine697]

Can I drink tea whilst fasting, or just water? I want to try fasting as I know it's biblical to do it...🙋‍♀️🇬🇧

[@eightfigs3508]

Some people say you can...🤷

[@MsEarth67]

Thank You Amen***

[@lividbitterman9985]

"Whenever you fast.." not "If you fast..." tells me that Jesus is assuming believers are actively fasting. Does it need to "be commanded" if its assumed? Reminds of the Sermon on the Mount, "When you pray..." not if you pray, and not commanded either, but assumed.

[@Nubian31]

you have explained this the best! thanks

[@Bluelilly40]

What about fasting when you take medication that must be taken with food? Any tips?

[@ThuyPhan-tx7yx]

Amen 🙏

[@Heidishereandthere]

How long would you fast and pray for? Thank you

[@audreymarriott570]

I need to fast its just I am diabetic I can only do 1hr daily will god answer me I pray he does 🙏 I need answers oh jesus help

[@khursum78]

If the person has ulcers can she fast

[@lynette4412]

Under medical observation and Faith. ...

[@chaojiang2596]

How to fast :(

[@epiphany-ys9wk]

Is it ok to fast and go about yr day.

[@lynette4412]

Not Recommended

[@RICANBEAUTY01]

can someone let me know when and how often one should fast?

[@charleslongfield306]

Once a week is ok.

[@rhemadsouza276]

As you're led to by the Holy Spirit. Receive confirmation in your spirit

[@jesusnameaboveallnames7369]

09/18/2019 As much as I respect Dr. Stanley, I believe true "spiritual" fasting is only abstaining from food &/or drink. The only other thing was sex between a married couple, for a period of time. I don't believe it has anything to do with abstaining from work or relationships, etc as he states.

[@Neleh]

I agree with you. If it’s not taken from the Bible, then take it with a grain of salt.

[@jesussaves1875]

When he said "relationships" I am sure he was referring to sex without saying the word (some people are more reserved than others) Many times when the Israelites called a fast (they also called a solemn assembly - meaning no work) Especially with people who do manual labour, not eating at all can become dangerous. So we have to use our discretion. Daniel did a partial fast because he was still serving the king (i.e. he did not stop working)

[@Blue77Blue]

AGREE BUT I DO DRINK AND WHEN I AM IN PRAYER AND READING IT SUBSTAIN ME YES GO TO YOUR SPOUSE BE IN AGREEMENT WHEN YOUR NOT MARRIED YOU FAST HOW LONG YOU WANT AND WHEN I BLESSED MY HUSBAND DOSE NOT INTERFERE HE JUST WANT TO KNOW WHEN I AM OFF LOL

[@nqobilemadiba7351]

👌

[@sereminente]

which bible version is he reading from someone please

[@lrb05131963]

I can't fast ,I have a mental illness that doesnt fit me well,am I disobedient to pastor if I don't fast in our annual Daniel fast

[@rachie_sherlock]

What will happen with your Illness if you don't eat.... You could do half a day. And use all your time that half a day to focus on jesus. Then maybe up it for a day. And do more focus on God. But if your really unwell then I guess you can't if it's gonna effect you bad. I would speak to God about it, pray to him see if you can get any ideas. God can see you trying so iff you try even if its small and not for many days... He can see you doing as much as you can. Thee very fact you care enough to ask the question means your intentions toward this are good. You want to do it..... He knows. ☺

[@nanzirirhene1128]

Fasting is good

[@BlckCloud73]

Please don't fast if you're a diabetic.

[@lynette4412]

oh😕

[@adripaos]

I have been a Christian for about 20 years and I’ve never really committed myself to fasting, I want more of Jesus,it’s been 5 years that I have sickness over sickness and fears, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, I realize that I haven’t really rely on God, yes I prayed, yes I have felt the presence of God, yes I believe in him but that is not enough, I will start to do it now. Thank you!

[@kateholycross6866]

In Jesus name be healed!!!

[@Christcrossministries]

God I need you..

[@mattinglyfamily]

Thank you Pastor.

[@kendallminter]

Amen!

[@fatherforgivemeiamasinner2107]

Great video

[@gracie4742]

AMEN

[@yourkingdomcomeyourwillbedone]

I pray all day everyday but I confess that I have struggled so much with fasting. I've tried so many times but only made it 24hrs and just end up eating too much afterwards. I have struggled with emotional eating all my life. It's had it's grip on me for years and I feel convicted to share this. Please come into agreement with me as I pray to be delivered from this vice. In Jesus name I pray 🙏 Amen

[@bettrinatruitt1648]

How are you today?? 🙏

[@OneWingedShark]

Try reading the bible as your "meal" when fasting. *Example:* Say _"This is my lunch!"_ and read the Crucifixion & Resurrection from John.

[@kateholycross6866]

Be healed in Jesus name!!!

[@yourkingdomcomeyourwillbedone]

@@bettrinatruitt1648 I am still struggling with this unfortunately. I have been better but still can't always resist the temptations. Recently I have grown much closer to God due to some hard trials he has put in my life around sleep deprivation but food still has a stronghold on me and I still fall into the traps of emotional and binge eating when I'm stressed, sad, lonely, bored etc. I have been making positive choices with the types of food I eat - focusing on protein and green vegetables and I have also taken up walking a lot everyday which have both helped but I still feel guilty about indulging and not having the self control I know God wants me to have. It's a process and I am growing and getting better with it but it's complicated because there's a lot of factors involved like having stable friendships to help with the loneliness and emotional stability, trying to keep stress down in other areas of life, trying to stay positive and aware of my triggers, avoiding situations that I know will send me on a downhill spiral, staying busy with other activities so that I don't just turn to food etc. When I was growing up, my parents always encouraged me to eat and I never felt like I received the love I needed and so I turned to food as a substitute to fill the void. I remember I wasn't always enslaved by my appetite but it grew into something that is like second nature to me. For many reasons I find it so hard to bear the suffering of forcing myself to be hungry and fighting the desires of my flesh. Most of the time I feel like life is hard enough and I want to be nurturing towards myself, don't want to be deprived of energy etc. but it's a trap of the enemy because I'm really just stuck in a cycle of pleasure and am just addicted to the cheap pleasure that the world provides rather than the lasting contentment that the Lord provides with a bit more discipline and self-denial. Anyway, I could talk about this for ages, it's been a problem for me for so many years and is a daily struggle. Thank you so much to everyone who has prayed for me and I sincerely pray that anyone who reads this and is struggling with similar issues finds their solution and deliverance in the name of Jesus Christ 🙏

[@alexiscovarrubias8964]

Something I discovered recently is the many powerful benefits to Working out while fasting. You release GH, remove Sugar from your arteries, burns fat, boost immune System. So much more I guarantee you it will help you reverse any sickness and disease and much faster than fasting alone. May you be blessed in Health Godspeed. In Jesus name Amen!

[@vgreene77]

All true about fasting ,I've had great experiences during fasting

[@lovelyann4985]

@YTchannel i usually fast for 3 days straight. I will do little water, but if you can go without it, do it! The longest I've fasted was 4 days. I was so close to God and at peace. It was amazing. It makes you so humble.

[@jheljhantomali9947]

@@lovelyann4985 what will you do aside from praying and reading bible

[@adriana77]

I wanted to fast to lose weight but this is even better. I want to be alert and hear God

[@subhashinis2709]

@@jheljhantomali9947 Good question, Jheljhan Tomali☺️that is quite normal to pass the mind in today's era of over-stimulation. The Bible asks us to read and meditate on it day and night to become successful, prosperous and receive and feel God's blessings upon us. So, no problem if you read the Bible the entire period of your fast. During your breaks or in addition to reading the Bible, you can do the following: 1. Watch fasting videos 2. Watch and/listen to sermons 3. Share the gospels with whomsoever you can 4. Listen to and sing worship songs 5. Memorize Bible verses 6. Write down and share your testimonies with others 7. Listen to testimonies on the Net. Thanks for asking!

[@subhashinis2709]

@@adriana77 It is really very encouraging to know that you prioritize God over weight loss! It shows your love for Him☺️ By the way, you may even ask God, by way of fasting, for giving you the strength and motivation to carry your weight loss plans till the end fruitfully. You may ask him for help to resist temptations and laziness whenever they arise.

[@aleaturner1157]

Thank you Pastor Stanley for your ministry. God bless you.

[@SkyBlue-uw3im]

Amen

[@AntonioMartinez-sq2gp]

Amen indeed!!!

[@kanelee1871]

Christ said when you pray, and when you fast. Wouldn’t that mean fasting would be as important as prayer? He didn’t say if you pray, or if you fast, but rather when.

[@NobleWolf33]

Fasting is a must if you are seeking to grow Spiritually and connect to the holy spirit so it's very Vital to our spiritual walk. And it's a beautiful feeling right after you pass the hunger pains

[@abbafatherswarriorprincess3627]

Absolutely agree with you both, Kane and Noble...

[@OlgaSmirnova1]

Kane Lee I agree

[@vivinvarghese3315]

Agreed. I don't understand how the word "when" means not required. I think the problem with some of the preachers is that they start with the assumption that anything that is deemed a command is necessary for salvation and since works can't get you saved, everything else is not a commandment to the believer. My opinion is that most disagreements amongst Christians are based on semantics rather than actual differences.

[@Seek_Him]

I AGREE WHEN YOU FAST ( COMMANDMENT?, SEEMS TO ME)

[@InTouchMinistries]

Hi ScottyBeelieves, Thank you for writing In Touch Ministries. We will be happy to forward your question to our Christian Guidance Department for response. Please message us with your name and complete mailing address and they will respond by regular mail to ensure your confidentiality. We look forward to your reply. We appreciate your interest and support of the ministry. Please let us know if we can be of any further assistance. God bless you, In Touch Ministries

[@nelsonssesanga1925]

Thanks in touch ministries

[@kevchua67]

Does Dr Stanley still replies emails now?

[@InTouchMinistries]

Yes! You can reach out to us at [e-mail]. -Esther

[@gearlabell3059]

Fasting also helps reboot the immune system

[@Daisy.florina]

yes it gives the body a break , kidney, liver, etc from eating everyday get rid of impurities.

[@dabzprincess92]

I'm going to miss you so much when you finally do step away from the co-chair. It's so moving to me what you've done for so many people and for me. I'll never get to meet you probably on earth that is. But when I do go to heaven I'm going to ask God if I can meet you. Thank you Dr Stanley thank you Jesus for giving us this man. Not all social media has to be used for evil. I don't have television or radio but I do have a cell phone. And I do use it continuously to watch your program, #choosen , programs alike and in between being able to read my physical Bible, I have an app that reads to me in between readings. I called him my man in the Bible. 😺If I didn't have KZbin I would have never found you. I thank God for that every day. God bless you Dr. Stanley and your family. I wish your son had his channel allow comments. I see so much of you in him. We just can't tell him LOL God bless you thank you for what you do

[@DelayInBlockProductions]

Pastor Stanley, thank you for your ministry.

[@antoniofiammelli1792]

The more your hearth is pure God knows your pride has taken the back seat I have seen miracle prayers answer by killing my pride because my pride is connected to the evil one plus my pride is deadly to gods eyes amen

[@revelationself7373]

Love this

[@ZiggyFX10]

Thank you Jesus for what you did on Calvary ✝️

[@ping7364]

Fasting does help . But for me God said instead of fasting, telling me to bring homeless person home to live and give him food to eat . I have medical condition I cannot fasting like others people even though I wanted too . But Remember everything do to GOD is about the pure motive . We cannot force GOD .

[@francesmorales1094]

While doing the Daniel Fast on this very day I want to thank you for sharing your wisdom of what scripture states on our humanity of being human in our thoughts and soul in cleansing to be with one in relationship with our God. Amazing!!

[@Itssike1]

I remember the first week long fast I had, towards the end I had a dream I seen as cross in the sky, and the white clouds where passing by it fast. That told me I was on to something. I didn't even do it a hundred percent correct, at that time. I was just eating bread and water at the even, the new day according to the Bible. He still rewarded me with an experience, just because of true effort, and a willing heart. Keep trying till we get it right, cause it's challenging at first. Read Chronicles 30:1 - 30:27. It shows how God is less of a stickler than we think, when our heart is doing spiritual things. He made that Passover special, on par with the best ones from the heydays of King Solomon's. With a willing spirit he even pardons our inconsistencies, 2 Chronicles 30:18- 20. So fast and pray, even if you don't get it right, keep at it till you can. When it starts to get boring rededicate, remember the true intentions, and refocus.

[@katfedorishina1296]

That's an awesome passage thank you for sharing! 🙏

[@subhashinis2709]

Thanks a lot for this comment as finishing a fast successfully is not at all a cake walk! Indeed, it feels like a Herculean task when hunger gnaws at your stomach. I have failed a couple of times till now but your comment is really very encouraging, which everyone needs to read.

[@kateholycross6866]

awww I love this!!! keep up the encouragement!!!

[@hyacinthp4882]

I am turning my plate down today. I am setting aside this time to read my Bible, journal and to be active in my walk with the Lord. I want to know Him more today. I need you every hour Lord or how I need you. Amen

[@Candoit2]

Thank you Dr Stanley for this message on Prayer and Fasting!

[@undercoverbrotherpro2a282]

Thank you Dr. Stanley you are always my go to when I need to learn about GOD!!!!!!!!

[@niomegalvez3713]

l believe in fasting so we could keep the flesh under subjection

[@calvinbafshoe1482]

Wow! Thank God for Dr Charles Stanley. This video was really helpful. I learnt a lot.

[@jerrilynd-max4258]

Thank you Dr. Stanley, very powerful message from God... GOD bless you more and your ministry. All praises to Him😀

[@robsongoodson6828]

Thank YOU Dr Stanley you took it a bit deeper to explain better about fasting and making clear that we can't buy God by fasting it just cleans us and draw us NEAR