The Adventure of Fasting
What is Fasting?
Fasting during the Lenten season reminds us of our dependence on God. When we are full and satisfied, it’s easy to feel self-sufficient. But when we disrupt that comfort—introducing need, lack, and dependence—our eyes naturally turn to God. Physical discomfort awakens us to our body’s reliance on food, which ultimately points to our deeper, spiritual dependency on God in all areas of our lives.
Jesus and Fasting
Jesus Himself fasted, modeling for us a life of dependence on God. Before beginning His ministry, He withdrew into the wilderness for forty days, seeking God’s guidance. Matthew 4:1-4 tells us: “Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, ‘If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.’ Jesus answered, ‘It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Not only did Jesus fast, but He also taught us how to fast with the right heart posture. In Matthew 6:16-18, He warns against fasting for show: “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” Fasting is not about outward appearances—it’s about an inward posture of humility and devotion. It’s an act of drawing near to God, trusting Him to sustain us, and allowing Him to fill the spaces we create.
Why Fast?
Fasting is more than simply giving something up—it’s an invitation to feast on God’s presence. I’ve heard it taught that fasting is giving up something we love for something we love more. Bible teacher Jada Edwards explains it this way: “The purpose of fasting is to strip away physical comfort, in order to be more available in a spiritual capacity.” By intentionally setting aside something we enjoy, we create space to focus on what truly sustains us—not food, entertainment, or comfort, but God Himself. When we fast, we position ourselves to hear God more clearly and pray with a deeper awareness of our need for Him. The practice of fasting is an opportunity to surrender distractions and seek Jesus with our whole heart. Whether you fast from a particular food, social media, or another comfort, may your hunger lead you to the One who truly satisfies.
Ways to Practice Fasting:
1. Fast from a meal each day this week
2. Fast from a food or category of food that you love
3. Fast from social media
4. Fast from any drink other than water
5. Fast from unnecessary spending
6. Fast from TV or movies
Resources for Fasting:
“Fasting for Beginners” from Desiring God
“The Place for Fasting in the Christian Life" from the CS Lewis Institute
"We need to Stop Using Substitutes for God" Jada Edwards Podcast (similar in theme)
Fasting during the Lenten season reminds us of our dependence on God. When we are full and satisfied, it’s easy to feel self-sufficient. But when we disrupt that comfort—introducing need, lack, and dependence—our eyes naturally turn to God. Physical discomfort awakens us to our body’s reliance on food, which ultimately points to our deeper, spiritual dependency on God in all areas of our lives.
Jesus and Fasting
Jesus Himself fasted, modeling for us a life of dependence on God. Before beginning His ministry, He withdrew into the wilderness for forty days, seeking God’s guidance. Matthew 4:1-4 tells us: “Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, ‘If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.’ Jesus answered, ‘It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Not only did Jesus fast, but He also taught us how to fast with the right heart posture. In Matthew 6:16-18, He warns against fasting for show: “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” Fasting is not about outward appearances—it’s about an inward posture of humility and devotion. It’s an act of drawing near to God, trusting Him to sustain us, and allowing Him to fill the spaces we create.
Why Fast?
Fasting is more than simply giving something up—it’s an invitation to feast on God’s presence. I’ve heard it taught that fasting is giving up something we love for something we love more. Bible teacher Jada Edwards explains it this way: “The purpose of fasting is to strip away physical comfort, in order to be more available in a spiritual capacity.” By intentionally setting aside something we enjoy, we create space to focus on what truly sustains us—not food, entertainment, or comfort, but God Himself. When we fast, we position ourselves to hear God more clearly and pray with a deeper awareness of our need for Him. The practice of fasting is an opportunity to surrender distractions and seek Jesus with our whole heart. Whether you fast from a particular food, social media, or another comfort, may your hunger lead you to the One who truly satisfies.
Ways to Practice Fasting:
1. Fast from a meal each day this week
2. Fast from a food or category of food that you love
3. Fast from social media
4. Fast from any drink other than water
5. Fast from unnecessary spending
6. Fast from TV or movies
Resources for Fasting:
“Fasting for Beginners” from Desiring God
“The Place for Fasting in the Christian Life" from the CS Lewis Institute
"We need to Stop Using Substitutes for God" Jada Edwards Podcast (similar in theme)