What is Fasting?

Fasting, in its most classic sense, means voluntarily abstaining for eating or drinking for an extended period of time. When we partake of a fast it helps us examine what we are consuming in terms of social, intellectual, spiritual, and emotional "food." Are these things distracting you from your relationship with God? Are you relying on things that have nothing to do with God to get you through your day? Fasting can be helpful in examining these things. A true fast functions as a great discipline of seeking God first rather than relying on things of the flesh. In fasting we choose to put our human desires in to submission so that we might seek a deeper communion with God in his presence. Seek God and ask him if there is anything you are consuming that he would ask you to fast for these 21 days. Is it food? Is it media?

Everyone doing an extended physical fast should consult a physician first. If you have medical issues, consider fasting something like TV or media. The point is that there is something God wants you to separate yourself from for three weeks so that you can see Him more clearly. Don’t cheat yourself by removing yourself from the fast entirely.

 
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The Goal of Fasting

The goal of fasting is a personal encounter with the Living God. There are physical benefits from fasting, such as a cleansing of your body or breaking of addictions, but the primary goal of fasting is experience God. So much of our life is about us, what we want, and when we want it. What would happen if we submitted ourselves and our needs, and in turn sought God with passion and fervor? What kind of breakthrough might we see?

““Be ye holy, for I am holy.””
— 1 Peter 1:16
““He must increase and [we] must decrease.””
— John 3:30

Fasting in the Bible

  • Repentance - Jonah 3:5, Daniel 6:18

  • Ministry preparation - Matthew 4:2

  • Spiritual power - Mark 9:29

  • Ministry commissioning - Acts 14:23

  • Set aside self for holiness - 1 Corinthians 7:5

  • Spiritual discipline - 1 Corinthians 11:24-28

  • Special revelation - Exodus 34:27-28

  • In times of war - Judges 20:26

  • Courage and wisdom - Esther 4:3,16

  • In times of grief - Nehemiah 1:4, 2 Samuel 1:12, Samuel 31:13, 1 Chronicles 10:12

  • Spiritual recuperation - 1 Kings 19:1-9

  • Mourning - Daniel 10:1-3