Guided by Pastor Ryan McDowell, Hobart, Indiana-based Hobart Assembly provides Christian worshippers a place of help, hope, and healing. Mission- and outreach-focused, Hobart Assembly’s evangelical message extends far beyond Hobart and Northwest Indiana.
One of the church’s emphases is Spirit-led living, which includes fasting. Fasting is one of the Biblical duties of every Christian, along with giving and praying.
Fasting requires strength and discipline, with the former coming from God and the latter leading to rewards in Heaven, according to Matthew 6. Fasting at the beginning of the year has a particularly strong impact in setting a course for 12 subsequent months of purposeful living.
There are various types of fasting, with three-day fast options including a full fast in which only liquids are consumed. Alternatively, the Daniel Fast involves fruits and vegetables combined with juice and water, with no bread, sweets, or meat consumed. A fast also can consist of refraining from one type of food.
Extended fasts provide heightened sensitivity to God’s desires. One pathway is the 21-day fast that mirrors Daniel’s experience of praying and fasting for 21 days as a spiritual battle was waged. Daniel’s fast came to a close when God answered his plea. Such a fast can be accompanied by a prayer guide and shared prayer toward a breakthrough.
