Message Us!

Discover the transformative spiritual practice that's hiding in plain sight throughout Scripture yet rarely discussed in modern churches. Fasting—mentioned over 60 times in the Bible and practiced by Jesus himself—has largely disappeared from our spiritual conversations despite its profound impact on our relationship with God.

What makes this ancient discipline so powerful? Unlike other spiritual practices, fasting uniquely demonstrates our desire for God above all else by temporarily setting aside His good gifts (typically food) to focus more fully on Him. As Augustine wrote, fasting is "for Christians what exercise is for the athlete," strengthening us for life's battles and sharpening our spiritual sight.

Our journey through Acts 13 reveals how the early church at Antioch was "worshiping the Lord and fasting" when the Holy Spirit directed them to commission Paul and Barnabas for missionary work. This pivotal moment in church history—the launching of the first missionary journey—emerged directly from a time of corporate fasting. The text mentions fasting twice in just three verses, highlighting its significance in hearing God's voice with clarity.

Many believers find themselves at a crossroads, needing direction for major life decisions or breakthrough in persistent struggles. Fasting offers a path to spiritual clarity that's often missing in our overstuffed lives. As David Platt and Francis Chan note, "The weakness of our hunger for God is not because He is unsavory, but because we keep ourselves stuffed with earthly things. Perhaps the denial of our stomach's appetite for food might increase our soul's appetite for God."

Ready to incorporate this powerful discipline into your spiritual life? Start small—try fasting one meal and using that time for focused prayer instead. Remember that effective fasting must be coupled with prayer, holiness, and acts of charity. The goal isn't personal misery or spiritual merit-earning but expressing our deepest desire: to hunger for the Bread of Life more than the bread of this world.

Will you accept the challenge to rediscover what generations of faithful believers have known? Your spiritual journey might be transformed by what you discover when you fast.

Support the show