Summary of "Bidden & vasten: wat is het, hoe moet het en hoe werkt het? Tom de Wal @VoiceOfFaith"

Summary of “Bidden & vasten: wat is het, hoe moet het en hoe werkt het? Tom de Wal @VoiceOfFaith”

This video is a detailed teaching on the biblical practice of prayer and fasting, focusing primarily on fasting—what it is, why and how to do it, and the spiritual benefits it brings. Tom de Wal shares both scriptural insights and practical advice, addressing common questions and misconceptions.

Key Wellness Strategies, Self-Care Techniques, and Productivity Tips

What is Fasting?

Biblical fasting is voluntarily abstaining from food (either fully or partially) to seek God more deeply.
It is replacing natural food with spiritual food—turning hunger for food into hunger for God.
Fasting is a spiritual discipline that opens one to greater wisdom, guidance, power from the Holy Spirit, and breakthroughs.

Biblical Basis and Proper Form of Fasting

True fasting involves not eating or partially not eating; abstaining from social media, TV, or other activities is not biblical fasting, though it can complement fasting.
Fasting also includes abstaining from other fleshly desires (e.g., sleep deprivation for prayer, sexual abstinence by mutual consent).
Examples from the Bible include:
- Jesus fasting 40 days with only water.
- Daniel’s partial fast from certain foods for 21 days.
- Paul’s fasting and sleepless nights.
- The lifestyle of fasting practiced by many biblical figures.

Types of Fasting

Partial Fast: Eating less or avoiding certain foods (e.g., Daniel fast—no meat, wine, or rich foods).
Complete Fast: No food, but drinking water, broth, or fruit juices.
Supernatural Fast: No food or drink (e.g., Moses and Elijah), only possible with special divine provision.
Lifestyle of Fasting: Regular fasting integrated into daily life (e.g., one or two days a week, or periodic longer fasts).

Practical Guidelines for Fasting

Start slow: Begin with one day, then build up to three days or longer.
Drink plenty of fluids: Water, broth, and juices to maintain energy and health.
Take extra time for prayer: Fasting is coupled with prayer; use the time normally spent eating to seek God.
Adjust fasting according to personal circumstances: Pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, the sick, and elderly should be cautious or avoid fasting.
Dealing with weakness: Focus on God as your source of strength; supernatural energy can be experienced.
Incorporate fasting with family life: Get up earlier or pray when children are asleep; include children in prayer times.

Spiritual and Productivity Benefits of Fasting

Accelerates what God is doing in your life: Fasting speeds up spiritual breakthroughs and divine timing (principle of firstfruits).
Increases spiritual sensitivity: Helps hear God better, receive wisdom, and experience supernatural power.
Subjects the flesh to the spirit: Helps overcome physical desires and live more from the spiritual man.
Fasting sanctifies time: God blesses and multiplies the time dedicated to Him, enabling more to be accomplished in less time.
Following Jesus’ example: Jesus fasted before beginning His ministry, showing fasting as a foundation for spiritual work.
Rewards: Jesus promises public rewards for fasting done sincerely.

Addressing Common Questions

How to fast with a physically demanding job? Partial fasting or minimal food intake to maintain energy.
Can you fast for specific purposes? Yes, it is good to fast with a clear purpose, such as praying for salvation of loved ones.
How long to fast? Personal decision; recommended to build up gradually.
Fasting and medication? Consult a doctor.
Is fasting once a week effective? Yes, but longer fasts build stronger spiritual discipline.
Baptism and receiving the Holy Spirit: These are separate events in spiritual rebirth.

Tips for Integrating Prayer and Fasting into Daily Life

Set specific times for prayer and fasting.
Use quiet moments (early morning, evenings) for focused prayer.
Educate and involve family members in spiritual disciplines.
Maintain a journal or notes of what God reveals during fasting.

Summary of Key Biblical and Spiritual Principles

Fasting is a command and spiritual discipline assumed by Jesus.
It is a way to seek God more intensely and receive His power.
God multiplies what is given to Him (firstfruits principle).
Time dedicated to God is sanctified and accelerated in spiritual productivity.
Fasting is a lifestyle for many spiritual leaders and a key to revival and breakthrough.

Presenters / Sources

Tom de Wal (@VoiceOfFaith, Frontrunners Ministries)

This teaching encourages believers to adopt prayer and fasting as a regular spiritual discipline to deepen their relationship with God, gain spiritual breakthroughs, and experience accelerated divine favor and productivity in their lives.