
So, I Heard You're Fasting?! Unlock The Power Fasting And Transform Your Life
Share
Fasting is more than just abstaining from food—it is a profound spiritual discipline that demonstrates our humility and dependence on God. By setting aside physical nourishment, we acknowledge that our ultimate sustenance comes from Him alone. It is also a way to seek His divine intervention, aligning our hearts and minds with His will and creating space for deeper communion with Him. Through fasting, we proclaim that our trust is not in our own strength but in His power to act on our behalf.
Fasting is indeed a lethal spiritual weapon when used effectively by the body of Christ. It combines humility, faith, and intentional pursuit of God’s presence, allowing believers to tap into divine strength and wisdom. In fasting, we silence the flesh, sharpen our spiritual sensitivity, and position ourselves to receive God’s strategies for breakthrough. It has the power to break strongholds, dismantle spiritual opposition, and bring about revival when coupled with prayer and obedience to God’s Word. When the body of Christ unites in fasting, it becomes a mighty force against the kingdom of darkness, releasing God’s authority and power into situations that seem impossible.
It is also not about convincing God to do what we want but about aligning our hearts and minds with His will. It is a process of surrender, where we let go of our own desires, distractions, and pride to gain clarity and sensitivity to His voice. Through fasting, we are transformed as we draw closer to Him, gaining the perspective, strength, and faith needed to walk in His purpose. It is a way of saying, “Lord, not my will, but Yours be done.”
FILLING YOURSELF DURING A FAST
The secret to being filled with the Spirit of God is to first empty ourselves. Through fasting, we empty ourselves of food, allowing Him to fill us. Food is humanity’s greatest carnal impulse, and fasting helps us master this appetite.
By controlling this primary craving, we gain the ability to control other carnal desires. Hunger acts as a prayer alarm. Instead of satisfying cravings by eating, we pray, keeping us focused throughout the day. Fasting replaces the pleasures of the flesh with spiritual delight.
Psalm 34:8 says, “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him!” (NKJV). Taste triggers specific physical and mental reactions. When we taste the Lord through prayer and fasting, it triggers profound reactions within our hearts.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF FASTS
People often choose one of three fasting types:
1) the “Daniel Fast,” which includes fruits and vegetables;
2) A total fast, consuming only water; or
3) A liquid fast, with fresh juices.
Other ways to fast include abstaining from television, radio, the internet, or anything that controls your life.
Fasting can involve the whole family, with each member participating in their own way.
BEST WAYS TO PREPARE FOR A FAST
While hunger pangs and weakness can occur during fasting, you don’t need to dehydrate, faint, or fall ill. Here are ways to prepare physically for a healthy fast:
- Days Before: Avoid caffeine and sugar; increase your water intake.
- Day Before: Eat light, hydrating foods.
- Last Meal: Go for low-salt, high-carb meals and drink plenty of water.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF A FAST
Fasting has numerous health benefits alongside spiritual rewards:
• The body naturally detoxifies, releasing toxins.
• Energy shifts from digestion to metabolism and strengthening of the immune system.
• Hormonal balance improves, rejuvenating the body.
• Fat stores are used for energy, positively affecting cholesterol, blood pressure, and weight.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A FAST
(Excerpt from You Are Not What You Weigh by Lisa Bevere)
1. Fasting Creates a New Hunger
“So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.” – Ezra 8:23 (NIV)
Fasting awakens a new hunger. At first, you may feel physical cravings, but as these subside, a deeper spiritual desire emerges.
2. Fasting Increases Sensitivity to God
“There was also a prophet, Anna… She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.” – Luke 2:36-38 (NIV)
Through fasting and prayer, Anna’s spiritual sensitivity enabled her to recognize Jesus as a child.
3. Fasting Works Humility
“Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting.” – Psalm 35:13 (NIV)
Fasting weakens the flesh, fostering dependence on God and humility in His presence.
4. Fasting Disciplines the Flesh
“When I wept and chastened my soul with fasting, that became my reproach.” – Psalm 69:10 (NKJV)
Like David, fasting brings discipline and steadies our spiritual walk.
5. Fasting Changes Our Appetite
“While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul.’” – Acts 13:2 (NIV)
Fasting often reveals God’s plans, redirecting our desires to align with His purpose.
6. Fasting Increases Our Capacity
“Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me…” – Esther 4:16 (NIV)
Esther’s fast prepared her for courage and wisdom, increasing her capacity for sacrifice.
7. Fasting Brings Answers to Prayer
“Then you will call, and the Lord will answer…” – Isaiah 58:9 (NIV)
Fasting creates an atmosphere for divine revelation, guidance, and answered prayers.
8. Fasting Leads to Quick Healing
“Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear…” – Isaiah 58:8a (NIV)
Fasting can bring physical, mental, and spiritual healing, as well as a release from oppression.
9. Fasting Invites God’s Protection and Provision
“…then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.” – Isaiah 58:8b (NIV)
God promises to guard and guide those who fast with righteousness.
10. Fasting Looses the Chains of Injustice
“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice…” – Isaiah 58:6 (NIV)
Fasting has the power to break oppressive chains in your life and in the lives of others.
11. Fasting Frees the Oppressed and Breaks Every Yoke
“When you fast… you untie the cords of the yoke…” – Isaiah 58:6 (NIV)
Fasting shifts focus from self to the needs of others, making us agents of healing and freedom.
12. Fasting Motivates Us to Feed the Needy
“Is it not to share your food with the hungry?” – Isaiah 58:7 (NIV)
Fasting allows us to share food with those in need, demonstrating God’s love in action.
FASTING IS NOT A BURDEN
Fasting is a privilege and an intimate act of worship that originates in the secret place between you and God, and He rewards openly those who seek Him in private.
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies… Surely your goodness and love will follow me…” – Psalm 23:5-6 (NIV)
Fasting positions believers for God’s provision, assurance, and anointing, even in the midst of opposition. It is an act of separation from the world and dedication to God.
Are you ready for breakthrough?
We’ve just completed a powerful 3-day water fast in preparation for a 21-day journey starting January 2–22 2025. Whether you need clarity, healing, or divine intervention, fasting can be the turning point you’ve been seeking.
Join us as we press into God’s presence. Let’s believe together for miracles, breakthroughs, and a fresh outpouring of His Spirit.