CONTENDING for the future through fasting
During the last forty days of 2024 we strategically prayed as we sought to end the year strong! Each day we focused on specific prayer requests for the coming year. Now, as 2025 begins, we are dedicating ourselves to a time of fasting. Before we fast, we must answer a few questions: What is fasting and why do we do it?
WHAT IS FASTING?
Fasting is a spiritual discipline that involves using the time normally set aside for eating to spend time with God. Fasting can take different forms. At the beginning of our study in Nehemiah, we saw him fast. He likely fasted intermittently for about four months. Some fasts last for one meal, one day, multiple days, or even weeks. Fasting might begin at sunrise and end at sunset, or it may last 24 hours. The essential concept is to set aside the time you would typically spend eating to focus on God through prayer, Bible study, or other forms of worship.
When fasting, the hunger pangs you feel can serve as physical reminders of your hunger for Jesus and your dependence on him for all things. When you pray, ask the Holy Spirit to deepen your understanding and experience of Jesus in everyday life. You might say something like, “Father, you are my daily bread. You are my comforter, redeemer, and provider. My life is hidden in Christ. What more do I need?”
A standard biblical fast involves abstaining from food but not water. However, you have freedom in how you fast. Choose something to abstain from that will help you focus on intentional prayer. For instance, if you are pregnant or unable to fast from food for any reason, consider fasting from social media, television, or another part of your daily routine. When you reach for your phone to check Facebook or Instagram, you’ll be reminded to pray instead. Use that time to focus on Jesus through prayer and Bible study.
WHY FAST?
The ultimate purpose of fasting is to draw near to God. There are many reasons to fast, but the underlying goal is to align your heart with him. Fasting should be intentional, as simply skipping meals offers no spiritual benefit. When done with purpose, fasting becomes a powerful discipline that can transform your life as a disciple of Jesus.
To help define a godly purpose for fasting, Donald Whitney’s Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life offers ten reasons to fast:
To strengthen prayer
To seek God’s guidance
To express grief
To seek deliverance or protection
To express repentance and return to God
To humble oneself before God
To express concern for the work of God
To minister to the needs of others
To overcome temptation and dedicate oneself to God
To express love and worship to God
Throughout the Bible, we see examples of people fasting for various reasons:
To be like Jesus (Matt 4:1–17; Luke 4:1–13)
To seek spiritual purity (Isa 58:5–7)
To repent of sins (John 3:8; Neh 1:4; 9:1–3; 1 Sam 14:24)
To mourn for the dead (1 Samuel 31:13; 2 Sam 1:12)
To request God’s help in times of crisis (Ezra 8:21–23; Neh 1:4–11)
To strengthen prayer (Matt 17:21; Mark 9:17–29; Acts 10:30; 1 Cor 7:5)
Fasting is not about twisting God’s arm to get what we want. God is a good Father who is working out his sovereign will. Our reasons for fasting are rooted in humility. By denying ourselves for a time, we are reminded to rely more on God. Fasting is not about changing God—it’s about changing us.
When we fast:
We pray more intently.
We become more receptive to God’s guidance.
We lean more on Scripture to hear his voice.
We demonstrate grief and repentance.
We physically declare our dependence on God.
We begin to sense spiritual reality more than the physical world.
We prepare to love others better than ourselves.
Please consider joining us in our church-wide fast to dedicate this time to the Lord as we ask Him to do great and mighty things though The Well in 2025!
To receive daily devotionals during our five days of fasting click here