Prayer is a common practice among Christians, but fasting often takes a back seat. Despite being one of the less discussed topics in the Bible, fasting holds a significant place in the spiritual life of believers. Jesus, in His teachings, said, “When you pray…” (Matthew 6:5) and “When you fast…” (Matthew 6:17). This emphasizes that both prayer and fasting should be integral to the lives of Christians.
The Power of Fasting
Fasting involves more than just abstaining from food; it is a conscious decision to say "no" to our physical desires and to elevate our spiritual connection with God. By fasting, we disconnect from the distractions of daily life and draw closer to God. This practice allows our spirits to rise above our fleshly desires, aligning us with God's will and softening our hearts to His purpose.
Isaiah 58 describes fasting as “afflicting your soul,” meaning that fasting is a way to deny what your mind and body crave, thereby focusing more on spiritual growth. It’s like turning down the volume of the world and amplifying God’s voice in our lives.
Fasting and Faith
Fasting, combined with prayer, can unlock spiritual breakthroughs that may not be achievable through prayer alone. In the Bible, a father brought his demon-possessed son to Jesus’ disciples for healing, but they were unable to help. Jesus, upon hearing this, rebuked the demon, and the boy was healed instantly. When the disciples asked why they had failed, Jesus responded, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting” (Matthew 17:20-21).
This passage reveals a key insight: unbelief stems from a disconnection from God, while being "perverse" is linked to being too connected to worldly things. The solution Jesus offers is prayer and fasting. Prayer reconnects us with God, and fasting helps us disconnect from the world. Together, they enable us to live as “children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:15).
Biblical Examples of Fasting
Throughout the Bible, there are several instances of fasting, each with specific outcomes and blessings. Here are some notable examples:
- The Disciples' Fast: This fast is for spiritual breakthroughs (Matthew 17:18-21, Isaiah 58:6-8).
- Ezra's Fast: To seek solutions to difficult problems or situations (Ezra 8).
- Samuel's Fast: For national revival and deliverance (1 Samuel 7).
- Elijah's Fast: To overcome depression, anxiety, and hopelessness (1 Kings 19).
- The Widow's Fast: To provide for the needs of others (Isaiah 58:7).
- Paul's Fast: To receive divine guidance for major decisions (Acts 9:9).
- Daniel's Fast: For revelation, favor, and health (Daniel 10).
- John the Baptist's Fast: For favor and increasing influence (Matthew 9:14-15; John 1:6-7).
- Esther's Fast: For protection and favor in times of danger (Esther 4:15-16).
These examples encourage us to see the many benefits of fasting. Just as these figures in the Bible received guidance, healing, and deliverance through fasting, so can we. As we fast and pray, we can expect to hear God’s voice more clearly and receive the breakthroughs we seek.
Types of Fasts to Consider
When we fast, we are denying our fleshly desires and strengthening our spirits. The Apostle Paul emphasized the importance of disciplining the body when he said, “I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified” (1 Corinthians 9:27). Fasting is a way to assert control over our physical desires, keeping our focus on God.
A common type of fast is a "normal" fast, which typically lasts one day. During this time, you abstain from food and drink only water, with the purpose of prioritizing spiritual matters over physical needs. Practicing this kind of fast regularly, whether weekly or monthly, can yield significant spiritual growth.
Another well-known fast is the Daniel Fast, which lasts for 21 days. During this fast, participants abstain from meat, sweets, and bread, consuming only water and simple foods like fruits and vegetables (Daniel 10:2-3). This is often referred to as a partial fast, focusing on simplifying one's diet to draw closer to God.
Regardless of the type of fast you choose, the key is to focus on connecting with God and minimizing distractions. Fasting without prayer is simply a diet. The true power of fasting lies in the combination of denying the flesh and seeking God with a whole heart.
Fasting and Restoration
The book of Joel offers a profound example of how fasting can lead to spiritual restoration. The prophet describes an invasion of locusts that devastated the land, a symbol of calamity and destruction. Joel writes, “What the chewing locust left, the swarming locust has eaten; what the swarming locust left, the crawling locust has eaten; and what the crawling locust left, the consuming locust has eaten” (Joel 1:4).
These different types of locusts can be likened to the various challenges and sins that erode our spiritual lives. The chewing locust represents persistent sins or habits that hinder our relationship with God. The swarming locusts symbolize ongoing challenges, like financial troubles or relational strife, that continuously batter us. The crawling locusts represent the slow, creeping consequences of poor choices and bad associations. Finally, the consuming locusts signify the utter devastation that occurs when something precious is stripped away, leaving us barren and empty.
In the face of this devastation, God called His people to repentance through fasting, saying, “Return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning” (Joel 2:12). God then promises, “I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the crawling locust, the consuming locust, and the chewing locust…” (Joel 2:25). This promise of restoration is available to us today as we turn to God with our whole hearts through fasting and prayer.
Putting God First
Jesus teaches us to “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). Fasting and prayer are ways to put God first, to humble ourselves, and to draw near to Him. As James 4:7-10 encourages, when we humble ourselves and draw close to God, He will draw close to us.
As you set aside time for fasting and prayer, you will find that the noise of the world fades, and God's voice becomes clearer. You will align your will with His, and in doing so, you will find that He provides for your needs in ways that surpass your expectations.
Before beginning a fast, pray and seek God's guidance on how to proceed. Whether you fast for a day, a week, or longer, the most important thing is to focus on seeking God with your whole heart. As you turn down the distractions of the world and turn up the volume of God’s voice, you will experience the spiritual transformation that comes from fasting and prayer.
In conclusion, fasting is not just an act of abstaining from food; it is a powerful spiritual practice that deepens our connection with God, strengthens our faith, and brings restoration. As you embrace this practice, you will discover new levels of spiritual growth and intimacy with God. So, take the step of faith, commit to a fast, and watch as God transforms your life in ways you never imagined.
