What Is Fasting?

Fasting is choosing to give something up for a set time so you can focus more fully on God.
It’s not about punishment, pressure, or performance.
It’s about hunger—hunger for God.

1. Why Do Christians Fast? (Isaiah 58)

Fasting isn’t about impressing God or denying ourselves just to suffer.
In Isaiah 58, God makes it clear: true fasting changes hearts, not appearances.

In simple terms:
We fast to quiet our flesh so we can hear God more clearly.

God says real fasting:

  • Breaks unhealthy patterns

  • Softens our hearts

  • Awakens compassion for others

  • Brings freedom, healing, and clarity

“Is this not the fast that I have chosen… to loose the bonds of wickedness… and let the oppressed go free?” — Isaiah 58:6

Fasting creates space for God to do deep, freeing work in us.

2. Three Benefits of Fasting (Spiritual & Physical)

Spiritual Clarity

Fasting removes distractions. When food—or something else—stops being the focus, God’s voice becomes clearer.

“Man shall not live by bread alone…” — Matthew 4:4

Spiritual Strength & Self-Control

Fasting builds discipline. Learning to say “no” to comfort strengthens your ability to say “no” to temptation.

“I discipline my body and bring it into subjection.” — 1 Corinthians 9:27

Physical & Emotional Reset

Fasting gives your body and mind a chance to slow down and reset.
Spiritually, it creates room for renewal and strength.

“Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength.” — Isaiah 40:31

3. How Do I Fast?

Fasting always includes more than just giving something up.

A biblical fast includes:

  • Prayer

  • God’s Word

  • A heart that desires God more than comfort

Fasting without prayer is simply skipping meals.
Fasting with prayer becomes spiritual growth.

4. What If I Can’t Fast All Day?

You can still fast.
God honors your heart, not your stomach.

Different Ways to Fast

Partial Fast

  • Skip one meal (breakfast, lunch, or dinner)

  • Use that time to pray or read Scripture

Daniel Fast

  • Simple foods: fruits, vegetables, water

  • No sweets, fast food, or soda

  • Use mealtimes to pray or read Scripture

Time-Based Fast

  • Sunrise to noon

  • Dinner until the next morning

  • Use the fasting window for prayer and Scripture

Non-Food Fast (Great for Youth)

  • Social media

  • Video games

  • TV or streaming

  • Music that doesn’t honor God

Anything that normally has your attention can be fasted to make room for Him.

A Final Encouragement

Fasting isn’t about being “super spiritual.”
It’s about saying:

“God, I want You more than what I’m giving up.”

God sees effort.
God honors obedience.
God responds to hunger for Him.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.” — Matthew 5:6