Scripture Reading: Isaiah 58:3-7, Luke 4:1-4, Matthew 6:16-18, Matthew 9:14-17, John 4:31-38, John 6:48-51, Revelation 19:6-10
Don’t fill up on bread, I warn myself when dining out. Then my waiter brings a basket of freshly baked rolls, glistening with melted butter, and I forget my earlier caution. A blended aroma of honey, vanilla, and yeast drifts under my nose as I raise the bread to my mouth. One bite into the warm, pillowy dough and my eyes nearly roll back. As my taste buds savor the last bite, I discover that I am full.
God has given us food both to enjoy and to sustain our bodies. But at times He calls us away from our daily sustenance so we can more fully engage with Him. This is especially challenging for me, a self-proclaimed foodie who relishes restaurant menus like they’re “hot off the press” bestsellers. However, I answer God’s call, metaphorically turning my plate over because I desire continued spiritual growth.
For the past few years, my church community has fasted once a month for twenty-four-hour intervals. Fasting is not a punishment inflicted on our bodies or a measure of our piety. Instead, God invites us as believers to give up something that is good for something even greater. We step away from the rhythms of our routines to pay more attention to His Word, deepening our relationship with Him.
The Gospels record Jesus’s forty-day stay in the wilderness, where He spent time alone with God and prepared for ministry through prayer and fasting. When Satan challenged Him to satisfy His hunger supernaturally, Jesus refused. Instead, He demonstrated His dependence on the Father with these words: “Man must not live on bread alone” (Luke 4:4).
When I fast, I agree with Jesus and recognize God as the ultimate source of both my physical and spiritual needs. Like our Savior did, I communicate my desire for the fulfillment of God’s will by positioning myself to be in fellowship with Him, without distractions (v.1). And when I do, He fills my heart and satisfies my soul in ways that physical food and earthly activities cannot (John 6:51).
It may seem counterintuitive, but when we regularly abstain from certain habits to pursue God, He refreshes us and refuels our passion for serving Him. We also grow more aware of the Spirit’s presence and more readily approach God in humility, relying on His strength to overcome sin in our lives.
What are the things that compete for our undivided attention above God? Is it social media or television? How about our smartphones or the time we invest in our relationships? Perhaps food is the culprit. Whatever the distraction, Jesus calls us to focus less on things that bring temporary fulfillment and more on Him, the true Bread of Life (vv.48–50). He has many good things in store for us—things far more satisfying than any activity and better than the most delicious bread.
Written by Tameshia Williams
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85 thoughts on "Fasting"
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Almost 20 years ago I did the Daniel Fast during Lent season. It was an amazing experience and taught me a lot about focusing on God and relying on Him instead of focusing on the pleasure of food. I recommend it especially for those that say they can’t do completely no food.
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Fasting is not something that was ever taught or even mentioned in the church i was raised in. So it came as a surprise when I moved away from that church. I’m diabetic, and keep my blood sugar best under control when I eat 5-6 small meals per day. I haven’t really thought about fasting from food. But so many of you have mentioned Fasting from other things, like social media, or even reading novels. I’m going to pray about God leading me to what I need to fast from in order to spend more concentrated time with Him.
I always learn so much from all of you! ❤️
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I have definitely fasted from social media and specific food items, but never completely fasted from food. I’m hesitant to. I have a fast metabolism and get super hungry if I haven’t eaten. I’m praying that if the Lord wants me to do this, he would show me how.
My desire has been to get closer to God through fasting. I am preparing to begin at the end of September and the whole month of October a 40 day fast juice and water no food
Just the word fasting freaks me out..lol I need to eat. I don’t feel well if I don’t. But I know it is possible. I will practice a small fast first. And I liked Gina’s idea of fasting on Sundays from things that do not focus on God.
Fasting is where I fall down hard, Shes. I own up to the poor choices & quick fixes where I worship things & not Him. Whether “food noise” or “one-click shopping” it is all stuff without substance. Perhaps I can incorporate fasting more conscientiously within a Sabbath practice…Especially since I know what the culprits are. And how they have limited or no benefit.
Dear God, open in me the desire & discipline to direct my gaze upon you. Help me to choose rightfully. And receive the richness only a life in You promises.
Praying you see an answer to that prayer and come back and share with us! Recognizing we have a problem is the first step and you are already there sister! ❤❤❤
I used to fast(from food)fairly regularly on Mondays, but haven’t since I first had cancer in 2021. For many years, I have fasted from other things, sometimes a certain food item, different forms of media, etc most often during Lent but that is more my fasting practice these days. In response to Tami’s thoughts depending on what it is, I do go about my day, but the time spent preparing the food/packing a lunch would be redirected to praying or reading my Bible and when the hunger pangs hit or the desire for the “thing” comes up, I will stop and pray, read/listen to scripture to reorient my heart and focus on the Lord. I have been taught/learned that as with all spiritual disciplines its our heart posture towards the Lord, our sincerity and true intention that matters the most. Yes, I think there are times when we do need to be intentional about setting aside an hour(s) or even a day to stop everything and really sit at the Lord’s feet but I dont think we need to always tie ourselves to that. The Lord understands our hearts desire is to seek Him and honor Him and He wants our full attention. But He also offers grace in the process of us growing in our spiritual lives. If its new to us starting small with fasting, in whatever way we choose to do it and taking out a meal, doing a weekend media fast, or adopting a no gaming night in our homes, is no less honoring than doing a 2 day food related fast, or a 30 day media fast.
Its been hard to get my head around much other than my health the last 4 months but todays reading has reminded me that fasting is important. The podcast this week is excellent. :)
Thank you for your prayers SRT sisters. The new meds I started 3 weeks ago for Ectopic Cushings Disease are working and my cortisol levels are dropping… PTL. Some of symptoms are subsiding a bit, but there are side effects as well. So, in some ways feeling a bit better but in other ways not so much. I had a CT scan last week to monitor the tumors and have follow-up today with my oncologist to discuss. Please pray the medications continue to be effective, that side effects are manageable and that the tumors are remaining stable…or better yet, gone. God is able! Thank you so much❤️
Looking forward to your report tomorrow and praying in agreement! ❤
Praying, Wendy!
Wendy, I’m praying you will receive news of no more tumors. And confirmation the new medication is working, with minimal or no side effects. I pray you feel God’s Presence with you, and are wrapped in His comfort and peace. ❤️
Fasting is such a beautiful and challenging discipline. I find that fasting is easier when done together in a church setting and family together. Food can sneakily become the source of comfort, the culprit of self indulgence or go-to soothing in times of distress for me. I was reading a research on fasting benefits (thank you TRICIA for jotting my memory), many beautiful benefits include cellular cleanup (autophagy), reduced inflammation, increased mental clarity (ketones), better blood sugar control, weight management. Fasting goes better for me when I prepare by a week in advance by slowly cutting down things. I really love that Tameshia’s church has a fast calling once a month. What a beautiful practice. Prayers and fasting paired together are powerful. Fasting breaks spiritual and physical yokes when combined with acts of mercy and justice. “Is this not the fast that I have chosen: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke?”. I was advised to give tithe and offering during my fast. I cherished that advice so much because it is the true counsel. The power of fasting comes to us from dismantling our inner selfishness and shifts our attention to the poor and vulnerable (“Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?”). It takes practice for training in righteousness. I fasted for my dad’s healing years back, he was in bad shape after his severe back pain, even after surgery, and was told to possibly sit on wheelchair. I was devastated and I fasted for my dad’s deliverance from such diagnosis, using Isaiah 58, claiming the Lord’s promise. And the Lord honored that sacrifice of fasting, and most of all He honored his Word, and this happens, “Then your light shall break forth like the morning, your healing shall spring up speedily, and your righteousness shall go before you”. He was healed and free. Praise the Lord.
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KELLY (NEO)- praying for the young mama’s strong recovery and for her 2 year old son, praise God that she is admitted to a facility.
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FOSTER MAMA- praying for your parents and for you and sibling(s) to follow God’s ways, and to recognize/ pivot from the family hurtful ways. Praying for healing for everyone from family pain.
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SEARCHING-❤️
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Be blessed dear sisters.
❤️ Thank you my dear!! From your mouth to God’s ear!
Praise God for your dad’s healing, Mercy. ❤️
Mercy…love all that you have shared here. Thank you for your wisdom, insight and words to challenge us. You are a blessing❤️
I learned a great deal about intermittent fasting for health reasons several years ago when I became prediabetic and needed to get my blood sugar under control. I lost a great deal of weight, but I also learned how much I was eating for the wrong reasons. Some people believe that you can’t fast for spiritual and health reasons at the same time, but I disagree. God knows our hearts and what we can or cannot manage. I have also benefited greatly from news and social media fasts as they greatly reduce my anxiety and give me time for greater things. I do see many possibilities for good on social media, but it is also so easy to get sucked into it and away from real-life relationships. I’m going kayaking this weekend and plan to take some extra time in nature before heading back to the chaos of my usual routine.
Now that’s the right spirit, Margaret!
What a thoughtful testimony.
It had been a while since I fasted. I used to do at least 16 hour fasts, more for my physical health, but have not even done those as of late.
When I was diagnosed with cancer 7+ years ago, I fasted for 4 days. During that time I spent a lot of time in The Word and praying. It was helpful for me spiritually for sure, but also physically.
Fasting causes autophagy to peak in about 24 to 48 hours. Autophagy is a natural way for your body to start recycling damaged cells and such. God knows how beneficial it is for us both spiritually and physically. I really am being convicted to fast again after reading this today. I need to pray on this and see where and when the Lord leads me to fast.
Amen Tricia, thank you for the mention of autophagy, an incredible healing benefit of fasting.
Today really got me thinking. Often I hear the word fast and I think it has to be all day. Perhaps I could start with fasting one meal? And during the time that I would have spent any and preparing the meal I journal or do my study or memorization. Baby steps in one meal could lead the way to a larger fast.
Yes! ♥
Warren Wiersbe NKJV Study Bible – Isaiah passage:
Temptation is Satan’s weapon to defeat us, but it can become God’s tool to build us (see James 1:1–8, 13–17).
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So many interruptions during study this morning, but I made it through!
Jesus- what an example; what a teacher! And we get to sit at His feet without traveling on dusty roads! Hallelujah, what a Savior!
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Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
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We haven’t sung this in a while at church, but in memory of Dolly (and always appropriate lyrics)-
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SONG SHARE:
Zach Williams, Dolly Parton – There Was Jesus (Official Music Video)
Cee Gee I heard this song so often in Tanner’s last year of life. I played it yesterday listening with tears as this song was part of Tanner’s service.
How beautiful! It’s a beautiful son!
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Oh, Traci, what a sweet memory for you; I hope it was a blessing and not painful. ❤❤❤ Hugs!
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Such a beautiful song, and hopefully a sweet memory for you ❤️
I fasted from Facebook once, during Lent. I am happy to say that I just check some groups now, but don’t endlessly scroll anymore. The temptation is there sometimes still, but…
That’s great, Adrienne! Intentionally avoiding temptation is its own form of fasting, in my humble opinion. ☺ Great practice oither way!
Wonderful testimony, Adrienne. I need to follow in your example.
I really can’t remember the last time I fasted. Maybe a year or so. This morning what stood out to me is “when” I fast, to make sure to keep my head up, and not make it known even though I will be VERY hungry (LOL). I think one of the times I did fast and pray is when I was at the place I once called home. Praying, fasting, waking up at the wee hours of the night to pray for the person I once called husband. It’s when I realized that he too need to make effort as he proclaimed to be a believer. I’m so thankful through counselling, seeking JESUS. MY sweet JESUS and realizing this was no way for my children I to live, I made that hard decision to leave. Its now been 9 years. Thank you for faithfully praying for my children and I. Yesterday’s court hearing went well. The Judge can tell that I’m tired of coming and facing the same thing over and over. She had favor in me. Unable to give details here, and the Judge as well I want this to be done. I have another court date set for November 24, and if things are not completed by then, I will take over. Please pray that the EX will take care of what he needs to do so that the November 24 date can be vacated. I’m tired.
Praying for quick action/resolution! ❤
Praying sister that this prolonged trial will be over soon and in the past.
Amen
Sorry you have to keep dealing with this. I am tired of it for you. :/
Praying, Mari, that these issues would be settled fast and you wouldn’t need to keep dealing with them.
Praying this long ordeal will soon come to an end that brings freedom for you. ❤️
I have tried fasting, but I have to confess I have mixed feelings about it and maybe you ladies can give me some fresh insights. In the past, when I have fasted, it’s not like I can hole myself up somewhere and just be alone with God. I go to work, tend to the family, etc… so it feels like I don’t honor God with my fasting. Also, when I fast to intercede for someone, I feel like I’m trying to force God’s hand. Then I feel like it must be for the more “seasoned Christians”.
Yes, we must be careful with what our motivation is! ❤
Tameshia Williams did an excellent job on the devotional summarizing the scripture and topic. Fasting is something that is paired with prayer so often in scripture yet kinda gets left behind on the importance scale. But it is biblical, and important, and as Christians we all should be fasting.
It is a discipline, just like memorizing and meditation, it is not simple. It takes actively setting our minds to it and following through. It takes sacrificing our want to rely on God to fill us.
I had never fasted until a four years ago. My church fasts 2x a year together. As a matter of fact, this past Sunday the pastor spoke on this Mathew scripture and fasting. Our fast is in 2 weeks I believe. But the first time I fasted, the best thing I never knew I needed happened- God took away drinking alcohol!! He said I was depending on it. I didn’t even think of it as something like that since I only drank a small glass with dinner only- but it was every night. It has been a wonderful thing to not drink wine anymore…(and good for my health!).
Abstaining from food directs our attention to God. When those hunger pangs come- it cues us to turn our focus back to prayer and worship. We ask him to fill us with his wisdom, direction, insights, peace, joy. It brings us closer to the One who knows us and is sanctifying and transforming us. Often, we are just to dang busy to be in this kinda fellowship with the Lord. Fasting can break that cycle and recalibrate us!
Remember there is no right way to do this as far as length or pattern. Sometimes I do it for half a day. Sometimes I skip breakfast for the week. The purpose is to do without knowing that HE is the one that provides and sustains us!! Praise God!
Sometimes I fast to intercede for others. So if you are praying for someone or trying to see a breakthrough in something you have been praying for yourself- now the time to try a fast. Also, I like to journal during a fast. When I get hungry, mark the time and go to writing a prayer and being in fellowship with Jesus and letting the Holy Spirit guide you!
I knew you’d share much encouragement today! ❤❤❤
I am encouraged to fast more! I love to eat, so it is hard to “want” to, but that’s the point.
Such a good study on the importance of fasting! It’s not the easiest spiritual discipline for me, but it’s important nonetheless. If it’s important to God, it’s important to me!
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I have started a Sunday fast from reading novels, playing games on my phone, those things that are part of my ordinary days. On Sundays I spend the hours between morning and evening worship with God’s word or a book or study that is theologically rich. This habit has been a blessing.
I love this!
Like you, Gina, I try to abstain from less than holy things on the Sabbath. Life interrupts sometimes, but God knows the heart! Thanks for sharing! I believe you will encourage many today as you encouraged me that I am on the right track. You and Rhonda J!❤
How wonderful! ❤️
Amen❤️
It seems to me that in the Isaiah passage, God’s fast is a fast from injustice. It is not abstaining from food but from unjust treatment of others.
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What do y’all think?
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TANYA EVANS – praising God for Liz’s improvements.
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MARI V – praying you continue to look up to Jesus during these court dates.
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CHERYL BLOW – praying the feeling in Merle’s legs will return without pain.
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UPDATE: My young mama was moved the the rehabilitation facility yesterday. She has 2 weeks or so of acute PT, OT, RT, and other treatments to try to get her legs and brain talking to each other again. Please join me in prayer that the Lord would restore full function to her legs so that she can care for herself and her son. Thank you for your prayers.
Praying now, Kelly, for restored function of your young mama’s legs!
Praying for your young mama ✝️
I agree that in the particular reading in Isaiah, it is not fasting from food….and in other places, God says he wants mercy over sacrifice.
As for typical fasts, I do find that when food abstinence or reduction is a part, it is a frequent reminder {I am needing more of this lately :)} throughout the day that I am in a focused period in my spiritual life.
(In certain Orthodox traditions, when the congregation is fasting together, it is often a Vegan diet than serves as the springboard for more focused prayer and discipline / dedication to growth in our spiritual lives.)
With that said, I had tears in my eyes today after sobbing yesterday….
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Prayer request: My parents have always had a bad marriage…each one has taught me about Jesus but, in this area, they are the WORST. I can say that it is mostly my father (who was a monster when we were kids, then improved with us kids but always cruel and disrespectful to my mother). They are now in their EIGHTIES and my dad is being (God forgive me for looking at the speck in his eye with a log in my own…) HORRIBLE towards my mother!! He has successfully broken her spirit, psyche, appetite for life, etc….My sweet mother always maintains a beautiful relationship with her Heavenly Daddy but, I see lately so much her needs to depend on the groanings of her spirit because words are hard to find, etc…Please pray for both of them, especially in this last chapter of each of their live.
I cried because my dad is great at being strict with his FOOD when he fasts but….what about MERCY, what about your TONGUE, and your TEMPER….Sadly, he has so many great virtues but also has a mountain of pride, and lack of self-reflection. I was saying to my sister the other day, “better to commit 50 sins, see them, and repent rather than 1-2 sins and blindness to see the error of one’s ways”
Please pray we as their children are all we need to be, in the Lord.
Thank you for letting me vent!!
MY JESUS MOVES MOUNTAINS!!
Oh how your words made since to me. I saw this in my parents as well. Not to that extreme, but my dad definitely was quick to temper. I was just thinking this morning I don’t know how my Madre put up with him all those years. And I see it in my own marriage, that although he is a wonderful husband and 90% percent is wonderful, we have a 10% that just keeps rearing it’s ugly head because he has so many triggers that erupt quickly and just ruin the peace and joy. BUT MEN, they don’t want to reflect and do the means to fix the problem (freedom in Jesus), they want to ignore it, and sweep it under the rug. And then it is an awful cycle. I am getting ready to fast for this. I am praying he will do a marriage group that will be starting next month.
Praying for your parents.
As far as the Isaiah passage, it kinda threw me for a loop as well. I was like- what is this strange passage I don’t know!?
They did a great job on the podcast talking about fasting. The Pharisees did everything “right”, prayer, fasting, knew the Scriptures in and out, but yet they had no love in their hearts. The Isaiah passage made me think about that.
Praying for your parents as wrll
❤️ Thank you
Yes sadly, I see it too in my own (but not to the same extent)…and it pushes my buttons, makes me nervous that the lack of self-assessment and ability to see fault within himself will lead him down the same road as Dad. Thankfully / sadly, the difference is my parents never loved eachother.
Marriage is among the devil’s favourite battlefields — God help us with how successful the enemy has been lately!!
Thank you, my friend ❤️
(OOPS, This was response to RHONDA J)
I pray that you and your husband will be able to attend the marrgroup. PrayGod puts this on his heart. ❤️
Praying for your parents Foster Mama. And for your young mama Kelly!
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Praying for your dad and mom. This has to be so hard to see!
Yup ❤️ Thank you so much
Praying, Foster Mama, for you and your family.
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Praying now for your parents, and for you. ❤️
Continuing to pray for you Mama’s health and taking care of her son and praying for Foster Mom’s parents. If possible dear Foster Mama praying you can talk to your Dad. I remember my in-laws were in their 90s and Dad suddenly was nicer to Mom and she was remembering things he did a long time ago and was angry. It’s hard to watch.
❤️ My sibling and I are praying about this…a sit down with Dad (and Mom) and wisdom and discernment and favour… whatever it takes to be His instruments in His moving the mountain, as He sees fit.
Thank you
Praying for your young mama
Kelly, you are right on target! I had to read it in the NKT to understand. Sharing a portion:
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[“I will tell you why!” I respond.
“It’s because you are fasting to please yourselves.
Even while you fast,
you keep oppressing your workers.
4 What good is fasting
when you keep on fighting and quarreling?
This kind of fasting
will never get you anywhere with me.
5 You humble yourselves
by going through the motions of penance,
bowing your heads
like reeds bending in the wind.
You dress in burlap
and cover yourselves with ashes.
Is this what you call fasting?]
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Praying for ‘our’ young mama that she will respind to this therapy in a great way! ❤
*NLT*
*respond*
Praying❤️
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Proforma young mama’s healing. Praying, too, that she will be able to get things straightened out to the point she can care for her son.
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Amen!
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