When we hear the word fasting, many of us think of extreme diets, juice cleanses, or maybe skipping a meal to “detox.” But in Scripture, fasting is never about the latest health trend, it’s about the heart.
From the Old Testament prophets to Jesus Himself, fasting has always been a way for God’s people to humble themselves, seek His face, and grow in spiritual strength. And in a world that constantly feeds us noise, distraction, and indulgence, the discipline of fasting might be more necessary than ever.
1. Fasting is About Drawing Near to God
Biblical fasting is always connected to prayer. You don’t just stop eating, you stop to seek.
In Joel 2:12, God says:
“Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.”
Fasting is a way of saying to God, “You matter more to me than food, entertainment, or comfort.” It’s a physical way of reordering our priorities so that our spirit is tuned to His voice.
2. Jesus Expected We Would Fast
In Matthew 6:16–18, Jesus says, “When you fast…” not if. He assumed His followers would take part in this practice, just as they would pray and give.
Fasting didn’t expire with the early church. It’s still a vital discipline for believers today, because it trains our hearts to depend on God rather than our appetites.
3. Fasting Helps You Break Spiritual Strongholds
There are seasons when certain battles in our lives require more than prayer alone.
In Mark 9:29, Jesus told His disciples that some breakthroughs “come out only by prayer and fasting.”
When you fast, you’re not twisting God’s arm — you’re opening your heart, aligning with His will, and inviting His power into situations where you’ve run out of strength.
4. My Journey with Fasting
I’ll be honest — fasting hasn’t always been easy for me.
In my early walk with Christ, I saw it as a “special” thing you did before big decisions or during church-wide calls to prayer. But over time, as I began to practice it more regularly, I noticed changes I didn’t expect:
- My prayers felt sharper and more focused.
- I recognized distractions and temptations more quickly.
- My dependence on God deepened not just in “spiritual” matters, but in my everyday life.
5. Fasting Guards You from Worldliness
We live in a culture that says, “If you want it, you should have it — now.” Fasting teaches you to say no to yourself so you can say yes to God.
When you train your body to submit to your spirit, you become more resistant to the pull of temptation and more sensitive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.
How to Start Fasting Today
If you’ve never fasted before, start simple:
- Skip one meal and use that time for prayer.
- Set aside a day each week for fasting and worship.
- Eliminate something other than food (social media, TV, shopping) that distracts you from God.
Always pair fasting with Scripture reading and prayer otherwise, it’s just a diet.
Final Word
Fasting is not about earning God’s favor. It’s about making space in your life to experience His presence more deeply.
When you fast with the right heart, you discover that it’s not about what you’re giving up, it’s about what you gain: clarity, strength, peace, and a closer walk with your Father.
Challenge for the Week:
Choose one way to fast this week. Replace that time with prayer and Scripture. Keep a journal of what God shows you. You might be surprised at how quickly you hear Him more clearly.
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Stay blessed.
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