What My Fasting Journey Taught Me (& Why I'm Fasting Before Easter)
What is fasting? In a nutshell it’s abstaining from food for a certain time period to draw closer to God.
Since giving my life to Christ in 2019 after my grandmother passed away. I adopted fasting during a season that I was in need of a job, after a short 7 day partial fast, God blessed me with one right before the pandemic, what a moment that was as a new believer. I also fasted when I had a large lump in my breast, I felt led to go on a 21 Daniel fast, and after that fast there was no cancer detected and the lump shrunk significantly, I also felt amazing. Short fasts here and there, have been so special and beneficial as well when seeking the Lord for guidance and wisdom in my spiritual growth. Most recently last summer the Lord led me on a 40 day partial fast that was customized to my specific situation, this is where having a personal relationship with Him is so special and important. I was diagnosed with NAFL (non-alcoholic fatty liver), this was causing me to feel extremely tired and fatigued all the time and I was unable to maintain my weight which had increasingly become a challenge.
Amazingly, God guided me more specifically than in my previous fasts. He led me to not eat breakfast and only eat salads rich with bitter greens and other veggies like cabbage, sprouts, peppers, onion, spinach, and kale for lunch, along with organic eggs. For dinner, I ate how we normally would as a family. However, over the course of the 40 days, my husband and I began to buy organic meats from a local butcher shop. God also guided me to drink lots of water. I started at 0 cups and landed on 8-10 cups daily. These little adjustments to our normal way of eating made a huge impact on my health, but also my whole life started to transform. My relationships with my family also began to flourish and grow, and as I have shared in previous blog posts, God also led me to become more self-aware. This was really helpful with little things at work that bothered me before; they no longer became an issue because I learned how to manage my thoughts and emotions. During this time of prayer and fasting, I also journaled a lot; this is the reason why this blog exists today. God was very clear in His instructions to me to write about fasting because we just don’t hear enough about it. When I go to church, I rarely hear it preached. I believe it’s very important in the life of a Christian. The most important aspect of fasting is that it truly creates space to hear from God more clearly and be intentional about spending time with Him. You know the feeling when you are worshiping Him? Well, it’s like that x100. If I had not gone on those fasts, my life would be so much different right now. God gave me purpose, provision, hope, healing from the inside out, and He revealed my identity in Him. I faced a lot of spiritual warfare, but fasting really stripped away a lot of negative thinking and anger, things that did not serve me or my family well. Fasting is never easy, but with God, it’s an adventure. I could have never expected all the blessings that came from it. As Easter is approaching very soon, I have a strong desire to go on a short fast to reflect on Christ and His sacrifice for all mankind and to be in His presence leading up to Easter. I hope you will join me, or at the least, I have piqued your interest about fasting. Just as we see in my own life, the Bible is filled with powerful stories of individuals who encountered God in profound ways through fasting. Let’s explore.
Unlock God's Power Through Fasting:
Biblical Examples for Your Easter Season
As we approach Easter, a time of reflection and spiritual renewal, let's look to the Bible for powerful examples of fasting and its impact. These stories reveal God's heart and the incredible benefits that can come when we intentionally draw closer to Him through this practice.
Moses's Divine Encounter: After leading the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses fasted for 40 days. The result? God gave him the Ten Commandments, a testament to the profound divine direction and intimacy fasting can bring. Moses even radiated God's glory afterward! (Exodus 34:28-35)
Elijah's Strength and Authority: In a dark time for prophets, Elijah's fast empowered him with God's strength and boldness. This enabled him to perform miracles and stand against Baal worshipers, showcasing God's power. (Explore 1 Kings 19:8-13)
Daniel's Health, Wisdom, and Influence: Captured in Babylon, Daniel and his friends chose a simple vegetable fast over the king's rich food for ten days. They emerged healthier and were blessed by God with exceptional knowledge and understanding. Daniel's wisdom in interpreting dreams led to a high position and recognition of God's sovereignty. He later fasted again for 21 days to understand a crucial vision.
Esther's Courage and Deliverance: Facing the threat of her people's annihilation, Esther called for a three-day fast. Her courageous approach to the king after this fast led to the deliverance of the Jewish people. (Read Esther 4:16)
Jesus's Victory and Ministry: Finally, Jesus Himself fasted for 40 days in the wilderness before beginning His powerful ministry. Through fasting, He overcame temptation and stepped into His calling to preach, heal, and deliver. (See Matthew 4:1-11) Jesus also taught His disciples about fasting (Matthew 6:16-18) and often sought solitude for prayer and fasting.
Considering a Fast This Easter?
The Bible shows us that fasting isn't just about abstaining from food; it's about intentionally seeking God, gaining clarity, and experiencing more of Jesus. As you prepare for Easter, consider how a period of fasting – whether a full fast, a partial fast (like Daniel's), or even fasting from certain activities – could deepen your spiritual connection and open your heart to God's guidance.
Important Note: If you are pregnant, nursing, a child, or have health concerns, please prioritize your well-being. Instead, consider dedicating extra time to prayer, journaling, and listening to God's voice. For those who can fast, seek God's guidance and wisdom, and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any doubts.
This Easter season, may these biblical examples inspire you to draw closer to God and experience the transformative power of fasting in your own life.
After Your Easter Fast: Staying Connected
Your fast has quieted your spirit and drawn you closer to God. Now, how do you maintain that connection? Stay focused on Him with these practical steps:
Praise in the Wait: Whether your prayers are answered immediately or you're waiting for next steps, cultivate praise. It builds trust and reminds you of God's faithfulness, even when He feels distant. (Daniel 2:19-20, Psalm 22:3, 13:5-6, 150:6, Hebrews 13:15)
Regular Prayer & Fasting: Make prayer and occasional fasting a consistent part of your life, just as Jesus did. Planning for these times can deepen your focus and clarity.
Share Your Faith: Sharing the good news of Christ's resurrection. Also tell others about the goodness of knowing the Lord. Your personal experience can lead those searching for more to the truth of the Gospel, it can be hard but he is always with you so do not fear. (Mark 16:15, Psalm 34:8)
Give Generously: Blessing others is an act of obedience and brings joy and further blessings to you and your family. God invites us to test Him in this area. (Malachi 3:10)
Rejoice in Victory: Remember that through Christ, the ultimate victory is already yours!
Embrace Surrender, Trust, and Rest: Make these a daily practice. Yield to God's will, rely on His character, and find peace in Him.
This Easter, I encourage you to prayerfully consider incorporating a fast into your preparation. May it draw you closer to the Lord and deepen your appreciation for His incredible gift.
Check out this amazing book for further encouragement and insight. Fasting: Opening the Door to a Deeper, More Intimate, More Powerful Relationship With God by Jentezen Franklin
