Fasting

Q:  What's the point behind fasting for Christians? 

A:  The standard Christian response would be that "the purpose of fasting should be to take your eyes off the things of this world to focus completely on God. Fasting is a way to demonstrate to God, and ourselves, that we are serious about our relationship with Him. Fasting helps us gain a new perspective and a renewed reliance upon God." You will see this manifest itself in various ways. Some Christians will remove certain items or practices from their lives. While others will participate in religious activities like Lent.

I believe these are nothing more than unnecessary "sacrifices" to God to get Him to respond to us for some need we have in our lives. A way of getting right with Him. If this is the extent of a person's faith, I won't criticize them. However, it comes across as an act of extortion because you are "hurting" yourself in a way to get God to act. People will not agree with that because the Bible talks about prayer and fasting. But, the attitude is one of getting God to act in response to my work. 

I believe the opposite. I don't fast. However, my experience has been that there have been times I was so engrossed in study, prayer, fellowship, etc, that I have forgotten to eat or take care of other responsibilities. That, to me, is true fasting. Being so engrossed with the things of God that nothing else matters. Besides, if I have everything I need for a godly life and every spiritual blessing in Christ (Ephesians 1:3, 2 Peter 1:3) what else do I need? Plus, we are told that "in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God (Philippians 4:6)." There is no stipulation to fast. Just talk to God. 

If you saw your children not eating until you responded to them you would be like, "What are you doing?" After they explained their reasoning you would say, "Why didn't you just ask?" God lives with us, in us, and unconditionally loves and accepts us. Just talk to Him. There is no need to inflict harm on ourselves to get His attention. I hope this helps.