Fasting

Fasting is denying yourself something (usually food) for a period of time.
A Christian fast is not just about not eating — there must be a spiritual reason for it.
While the Bible primarily focuses on fasting from food, you can also fast from other things such as:

• Social media
• Technology
• Recreational activities
• Alcohol
• Other distractions

Different Types of Fasts

1. Normal Fast – No food, but water
2. Partial (Daniel) Fast – Only vegetables and water
3. Absolute Fast – No food or water
4. Supernatural Fast – God specifically commands and spiritually sustains you for an extended time
5. Private Fast – Something just between you and God
6. Congregational Fast – When a church, community, or even a nation fasts and prays together

Important Principles

• Fasting should always be voluntary — never forced or coerced. If you pray about fasting and feel God telling you not to fast, then don’t.
• Fasting should be rooted in relationship with Christ — with a desire to become more like Him and to know Him more.
• Some people cannot and should not fast due to medical or health reasons. That is completely OK. We must respect and support that.

Jesus both practiced and taught fasting.
Fasting is mentioned more times in Scripture than baptism. Jesus taught with the expectation that His disciples would fast.
Matthew 6:16–17

“When you fast… But when you fast…” 

The wording assumes fasting will happen. In the same passage, Jesus says “when you give” and “when you pray.” No one treats those as optional — and fasting is presented the same way.

Matthew 9:14–15

Then John’s disciples came and asked him, “How is it that we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?” Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast."

Fasting is spoken of as an expectation.

Without purpose, fasting can be a miserable, unbearable experience, and it can be about your own strength and willpower instead of being about God.

Fasting is not:

• To impress God or people with how spiritual we are
• To earn something from God
• To manipulate God into giving us what we want

Isaiah 58 :3-5 gives a warning about fasting with the wrong motives:

"‘Why have we fasted,’ they say, ‘and you have not seen it? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you have not noticed?’ Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please and exploit all your workers. Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife, and in striking each other with wicked fists. You cannot fast as you do today and expect your voice to be heard on high. Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for people to humble themselves? Is it only for bowing one’s head like a reed and for lying in sackcloth and ashes? Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord?" 

Biblical Purposes of Fasting
1. Strengthening Our Prayer
Fasting can:

• Increase focus
• Deepen passion in prayer
• Intensify spiritual desire
• Express the sincerity of our prayers
• Make us more receptive to God’s voice
• Help as we pray for the work of God in our lives, churches, nation, and world
• Provide guidance during seasons of transition. There are a number of examples of this in Acts:

Acts 13:2–3

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.” So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off. 

Acts 14:23

Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.

2. Expressing Ourselves to God and Remembering Who He Is
Fasting reminds us:

• He is our provider
• He is more important than food
• He sustains and gives life
• He is the Bread of Life
• He is the Living Water

Fasting can:

• Help us humble ourselves before Him
• Express grief (over loss, death, disease, disaster, or sin)
• Serve as a point of repentance and turning:

Joel 2:12–13

“Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.

3. Ministering to Others
Fasting can be used to serve others by:

• Spending focused time praying for their needs
• Using time and money saved from food to:
  • Spend time with others
  • Give to those in need

4. Strength and Protection
Fasting can:

• Strengthen our spiritual armor
• Provide protection from the world and the attacks of the enemy
• Help us overcome temptation
• Teach us to resist the devil
• Strengthen our spirit against opposition
• Develop discipline — teaching our body to submit to the spirit

A Key Reminder
Fasting is not about not eating. It’s about God. When you feel hunger, let it remind you to:

• Pray
• Worship
• Listen for His voice

Remember it’s for God, not for an audience, not for everyone else to see how spiritual you are.
Matthew 6:16-18 reminds us:
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen."

But know that there are blessings that are associated with fasting:
Matthew 6:18
“Your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

God wants to bless you through your time fasting. But remember to focus on His will and His purpose and not your own. Your reason for fasting might not be God’s reason – be open to hearing from Him and letting Him guide you.

All fasts should be about God. Seeking Him, His presence, and His will should be more important than any other reason for fasting.

Questions? Send us a message: info@c3mosaic.com