In the world today, fasting is not a new concept. In reality it is a common concept. When most people hear the word “fasting”, what comes to mind is staying away from food. Some even use it as a weight loss strategy. Ever heard of “intermittent fasting”?

Although the Bible does not give a direct command on the issue of fasting, fasting appears both in the Old and New testament.

Matthew 6:16

New King James Version

16 Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.

Jesus started the teaching with “when you fast” not “If you fast”. This means that it is expected that we fast. Fasting should be part of our devotion. Contrary to popular belief, fasting is not just abstinence from food. It is a period of consecration, where you shut out every noise, starve the flesh, and focus on God.

When fasting, you give up food and some other things to focus on God. Some people fast to get quick answers to their prayers from God for material things or even use fasting more like hunger strike to “move” God’s hand or impose their will on God. But we see through scriptures that these are not the right reasons to fast. All the places where fasting is talked about in the Bible was not for material needs. In Matthew 4:1-17, Jesus fasted to prepare for ministry.

Acts of Apostles 14:23

New King James Version

23 So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.

To seek God’s wisdom, Paul and Barnabas prayed and fasted for the elders whom they had appointed in the church before committing them to the service of God.

Your reason for doing something is as important as what you are doing and this is why you must understand why we fast. We live in a carnal world where everything is fighting for our attention and if one is not careful, the things of this world will eventually steal your time and attention from God.

This is why you must have periods where you take the time back from the things that have distracted you from God. Fasting helps to realign your focus to God’s plan and purpose for your life. As ironic as it may sound, fasting strengthens you.

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭40‬:‭31‬

‭New King James Version

31 But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.

When you start to notice a lag in your devotion, it is an indicator that your spirit is weak and you must subdue the flesh. Fasting is not only limited to abstaining from food. It is putting away anything that feeds your flesh and serves as a distraction. Meaning that when you fast, you can’t also be scrolling through social media all day.

Take a break from social media. Remove any obvious distractions; movies, unedifying music, videos, etc. When you notice that your attention is no more on God, put your flesh under subjection. If you can deny your body food, you can put away every other thing.

As you fast and starve your flesh, you must also make sure that you are actively feeding your spirit. Don’t just sit and wait for the time to pass so you can break your fast. Make sure that you stay edified throughout the day, listen to sermons, study the Bible and pray at every chance you get.

Remind your flesh who’s in charge. It doesn’t rule you. Rather, you have power over it.

Prayer Point:

I set my affections on God. Nothing becomes more important to me than God and His purpose for me. I am not distracted.