"But this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting." - Matthew 17:21 (KJV)
Jesus assumed His followers would fast. He didn't say "if you fast" but "when ye fast" (Matthew 6:16). Yet this powerful spiritual discipline has largely disappeared from modern Christian practice. We've retained prayer, Bible study, and worship, but fasting seems extreme, unnecessary, or purely Old Testament. However, Scripture reveals fasting as a vital key to spiritual breakthrough, intimacy with God, and kingdom advancement.
What Biblical Fasting Is—and Isn't
Fasting is voluntarily abstaining from food (and sometimes water) for spiritual purposes. It's important to understand:
Fasting isn't:
- A spiritual diet plan
- A way to earn God's favor
- A hunger strike to force God's hand
- A display of super-spirituality
- A replacement for obedience
Fasting is:
- Humbling ourselves before God
- Expressing desperate dependence on Him
- Creating space for spiritual focus
- Aligning our will with God's
- Intensifying prayer and seeking
"Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free" (Isaiah 58:6). True fasting produces spiritual and practical results.
Biblical Purposes for Fasting
Scripture reveals multiple reasons God's people fast:
1. Seeking God's guidance: "Then I proclaimed a fast... that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way" (Ezra 8:21). Major decisions benefit from fasting's clarity.
2. Spiritual breakthrough: When disciples couldn't cast out a demon, Jesus explained some spiritual victories require fasting with prayer (Matthew 17:21).
3. Repentance and renewal: "Turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning" (Joel 2:12). Fasting expresses genuine sorrow for sin.
4. Intercession for others: "I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom" (Psalm 35:13). David fasted even for his enemies.
5. Ministry preparation: "As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul" (Acts 13:2). Fasting prepares us for God's calling.
6. Spiritual warfare: "So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us" (Ezra 8:23). Fasting strengthens us for battle.
Types of Biblical Fasts
Scripture describes various fasting approaches:
- Normal fast: Abstaining from food but not water. Jesus fasted 40 days this way (Matthew 4:2)
- Partial fast: Limiting diet like Daniel's vegetable fast (Daniel 10:3)
- Absolute fast: No food or water, usually maximum 3 days like Esther's fast (Esther 4:16)
- Corporate fast: When God's people fast together (Joel 2:15)
- Regular fast: The Pharisees fasted twice weekly (Luke 18:12), though with wrong motives
The Power of Fasting
Why does fasting release such spiritual power?
It demonstrates seriousness: "When they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away" (Acts 13:3). Fasting shows God we mean business.
It increases spiritual sensitivity: Physical hunger often heightens spiritual awareness. "My knees are weak through fasting; and my flesh faileth of fatness" (Psalm 109:24)—yet spiritual strength increases.
It breaks strongholds: "Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness" (Isaiah 58:6). Fasting helps break addictions and bondages.
It humbles our flesh: "I humbled my soul with fasting" (Psalm 35:13). Pride diminishes when we deny ourselves.
It aligns us with God: Jesus said, "My meat is to do the will of him that sent me" (John 4:34). Fasting helps us hunger more for God's will than food.
Practical Guidelines for Fasting
If you're new to fasting or returning to this discipline:
1. Start small. Skip one meal, then try a 24-hour fast before attempting longer fasts.
2. Prepare properly. Reduce caffeine and heavy foods beforehand. Check with your doctor if you have health concerns.
3. Focus on purpose. Don't just stop eating—replace meal times with prayer and Scripture. Use SpiriseBible to guide your meditation.
4. Stay hydrated. Unless specifically led to an absolute fast, drink plenty of water.
5. Break fasts gently. Don't feast immediately after fasting. Start with light foods and small portions.
6. Keep it private. "That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret" (Matthew 6:18).
Common Misconceptions
Address these misunderstandings about fasting:
- "Fasting is too hard": Start where you are. God honors even small steps of obedience
- "I'll be too weak": "He giveth power to the faint" (Isaiah 40:29). God supplies strength
- "It's just Old Testament": Jesus, the apostles, and early church all fasted regularly
- "It's legalistic": Only when done for wrong reasons. True fasting flows from love
- "I'm too busy": Fasting actually saves time normally spent on meals
When God Calls You to Fast
How do you know when to fast?
- When facing major decisions
- When needing breakthrough in prayer
- When dealing with persistent sin
- When interceding for others' needs
- When seeking deeper intimacy with God
- When led by the Holy Spirit
Remember, fasting doesn't change God—it changes us. It doesn't earn answers but aligns us to receive what God wants to give.
Reflection Questions
- What has been your understanding or experience with fasting? How has today's devotional challenged or encouraged you?
- Is there a situation in your life that might benefit from prayer combined with fasting?
- What fears or concerns do you have about fasting? How can you address them biblically?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, forgive me for neglecting this powerful discipline You've given for spiritual growth and breakthrough. Help me understand that fasting isn't about impressing You but about drawing closer to You. Give me wisdom to know when and how to fast. When I do fast, help me focus on You rather than on food. Use fasting to break strongholds in my life, increase my spiritual sensitivity, and align my will with Yours. May my fasting always be coupled with prayer and love for others. Teach me to hunger more for You than for physical food. In Jesus' name, who fasted for spiritual victory, Amen.
Today's Challenge
Consider starting with a simple fast: Skip one meal today and use that time for focused prayer and Bible study. Choose a specific prayer focus—perhaps a decision you're facing or a breakthrough you need. During your normal mealtime, read Isaiah 58 and ask God to show you His heart for fasting. Journal what you experience and learn. This small step could open the door to a powerful spiritual discipline.