Introduction: The Lost Jewel of Christian Discipline
Walk into any Christian bookstore, and you will find hundreds of books on prayer. Dozens on worship. A few on silence. But where are the books on fasting? In an age of comfort and abundance, fasting has become the forgotten discipline. Yet Jesus assumed His followers would practice it. Matthew 6:16 (ESV) begins, “And when you fast...” Not if, but when.
This blog will open the Scriptures (ESV) to rediscover why fasting matters, how to do it biblically, and what spiritual breakthroughs await those who return to this ancient practice.
What Biblical Fasting Is (And Is Not)
First, let us define our terms. Biblical fasting is voluntarily abstaining from food (or something else) for a spiritual purpose. It is not a diet. It is not a hunger strike. It is not a way to manipulate God. Rather, fasting is a tool to humble ourselves, sharpen our prayers, and break spiritual strongholds.
Joel 2:12 (ESV) calls, “Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.” Notice: fasting is linked to returning to God—not changing His mind, but changing us.
What Fasting Is Not:
- Not a way to earn God's favor. We are saved by grace, not rituals (Ephesians 2:8-9).
- Not a public spectacle. Jesus condemned the Pharisees who disfigured their faces to show off (Matthew 6:16-18).
- Not a substitute for justice. Isaiah 58 rebukes empty fasting while oppressing workers.
Biblical Examples of Fasting That Changed History
Scripture is filled with moments when fasting preceded supernatural breakthrough. Let us examine a few.
1. Moses on the Mountain (Exodus 34:28)
Moses fasted 40 days and nights on Mount Sinai. During that time, God wrote the Ten Commandments again. Exodus 34:28 (ESV) says, “He was there with the Lord forty days and forty nights. He neither ate bread nor drank water.” Fasting positioned Moses to receive God's Law.
2. Esther and the Jews (Esther 4:16)
When genocide threatened God's people, Queen Esther commanded, “Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day.” After that fast, Esther approached the king—and God delivered His people.
3. Jesus in the Wilderness (Matthew 4:2)
Before His public ministry began, Jesus fasted 40 days. Matthew 4:2 (ESV) records, “And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.” Then Satan came to tempt Him. Jesus overcame every temptation by the Word of God. If the Son of God fasted, how can we neglect it?
4. The Early Church (Acts 13:2-3)
Before sending out Paul and Barnabas, the church in Antioch fasted and prayed. Acts 13:2-3 (ESV) says, “While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.” Fasting releases missionary callings.
Why Fast Today? 5 Spiritual Breakthroughs from Fasting
If fasting was powerful for Moses, Esther, Jesus, and the early church, it remains powerful today. Here is what biblical fasting accomplishes:
1. Humility. Fasting reminds us that man does not live by bread alone (Deuteronomy 8:3). It breaks the pride of self-sufficiency.
2. Clarity. When the stomach is quiet, the spirit often becomes sharper. Decisions become clearer.
3. Breaking strongholds. In Mark 9:29 (ESV), Jesus said of a stubborn demon, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer.” Many manuscripts add “and fasting.” Some battles require both.
4. Direction. Fasting helps us hear God's voice more clearly on major decisions.
5. Intercession. Fasting intensifies prayer for others who are lost or suffering.
How to Begin Fasting (Practical Steps)
If you have never fasted before, do not start with 40 days. Begin small and grow.
Step 1: Choose Your Fast Type
- Normal fast: Abstain from all food but drink water.
- Partial fast: Like Daniel in Daniel 10:3 (ESV): “I ate no delicacies, no meat or wine entered my mouth.” You might skip one meal or eat only vegetables.
- Media fast: Abstain from screens, social media, or entertainment to focus on God.
Step 2: Set a Time Frame
Start with one meal. Then 24 hours. Then 3 days. Consult a doctor if you have health conditions. Fasting is spiritual, not suicidal.
Step 3: Replace Food with Prayer and Scripture
Whenever you feel hunger pangs, pray. Keep a Bible nearby. Read Isaiah 58 (ESV)—the great fasting chapter. It promises that true fasting breaks chains, feeds the hungry, and brings healing.
Step 4: Break Your Fast Gently
Do not gorge. Break with light foods—soup, fruit, bread. Thank God for providing.
Isaiah 58: The Promise God Attaches to Fasting
Read slowly: Isaiah 58:6-9 (ESV) says, “Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house... Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily... Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry, and he will say, ‘Here I am.’”
Do you want God to answer your prayers quickly? Do you need healing? Do you want to break a yoke of addiction, fear, or sin? Fasting, joined with justice and prayer, unlocks these promises.
Conclusion: Will You Fast?
You have read the Scriptures. You have seen the examples. Now the question is not “Does fasting work?” but “Will I do it?”
Pick one day this week. Skip one meal. Spend that hour in prayer instead. See what God does. Matthew 9:15 (ESV) hints that when the bridegroom (Jesus) is taken away, His disciples will fast. He is not physically here—so we fast.
Your Challenge: Comment below with your fasting commitment: “I will fast one meal this week for [a specific person or need].” Then do it. And watch God move.
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