THE FAST THAT GOD CHOOSES
There are fasts that are acceptable to God and fasts that are not acceptable just like there is prayer that God hears and prayer that he does not hear.
AUTHORS’ NOTE: see When God Does Not Hear Prayer and When God Does Hear Prayer.
There are several scriptural examples of apparent effective prayer and fasting. A literal reading of these scriptures appears to indicate that fasts which are called by leaders are public fasts and that they will always be effective. Couple this with the fact that God prescribes fasting in certain situations, a casual reader will conclude that God has actually given laws about fasting. Such an interpretation is misleading, however, because it ignores that certain conditions must be in place before God will honor it. For example, effective fasting is coupled with humility, repentance and concern for the spiritual condition of others.
Ineffective fasting occurs when it is prescribed on certain schedules and with certain parameters as to what can be eaten and when it can be eaten. When the timing and terms of fasting are prescribed by religious leaders, even Christians and Jews, the practice is in effect a law or a regulation that is designed by men and not a result of following the Spirit of God.