How to Begin Fasting to See God Work Extraordinarily in Your Life

Fasting is one of the most powerful yet underutilized spiritual disciplines in the modern Christian's life. Throughout scripture and church history, fasting has preceded many of God's extraordinary movements. From Moses receiving the Ten Commandments to Jesus preparing for ministry, from the early church commissioning missionaries to great revivals throughout history, fasting has often been the hidden catalyst for spiritual breakthrough.

If you're feeling called to explore this ancient practice, here's a practical guide to help you begin fasting with purpose and wisdom.

Understanding Biblical Fasting

Biblical fasting is not merely abstaining from food or other pleasures—it's redirecting that time and energy toward seeking God. It's not about impressing others or manipulating God to get what we want. Rather, it's about creating space in our lives to hear from God more clearly and align our hearts with His.

As Jesus taught in Matthew 6:16-18, true fasting is done privately, not for public recognition but for divine reward.

Practical Steps to Begin Fasting

1. Start with Clear Purpose

Begin by asking: Why am I fasting? Scripture shows people fasted for guidance (Acts 13:2), repentance (Joel 2:12), spiritual breakthrough (Daniel 10), or preparation for ministry (Matthew 4:1-2).

Write down your purpose for fasting. Is it for clarity in a decision? Breakthrough in a challenging situation? Deeper intimacy with God? Revival in your community? Having a clear purpose will sustain you when fasting becomes difficult.

2. Choose the Right Type of Fast

There are several types of biblical fasts:

• Complete Fast: Abstaining from all food and drinking only water (or clear liquids)

• Partial Fast: Restricting certain foods (like Daniel's vegetable and water fast)

• Intermittent Fast: Fasting during specific times (such as sunrise to sunset)

• Soul Fast: Abstaining from non-food items that consume time and energy (social media, entertainment, shopping)

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If you're new to fasting, consider starting with:

• A one-meal fast

• A sunrise-to-sunset fast

• A Daniel fast (vegetables and water)

• A media or technology fast

3. Prepare Physically and Spiritually

Physical Preparation:

• Gradually reduce caffeine, sugar, and processed foods a few days before fasting

• Hydrate well before and during your fast

• Consult your doctor if you have medical conditions or take medications

• Plan for adequate rest during your fast

Spiritual Preparation:

• Set aside specific prayer times during the hours you would normally eat

• Select scripture passages to study during your fast

• Create a prayer list focused on your purpose for fasting

• Find a quiet place where you can retreat when hunger or temptation intensifies

4. Replace Consumption with Connection

The power of fasting comes not from what you give up but what you replace it with. When hunger pangs come or when you would normally engage in what you're fasting from:

• Turn to prayer instead of food or distraction

• Read scripture instead of scrolling social media

• Worship instead of watching TV

• Journal your thoughts and God's promptings

• Meditate on scripture verses related to your purpose

5. Fast in Community (When Appropriate)

While Jesus taught to fast privately without show, there can be power in communal fasting:

• Consider joining church-wide fasts

• Find an accountability partner who knows you're fasting

• Share your experience afterward to encourage others (not during, to avoid pride)

6. Expect Resistance

Jesus was tempted during His 40-day fast, and you will be too. Common challenges include:

• Physical discomfort and hunger

• Irritability and emotional sensitivity

• Spiritual warfare and doubt

• Temptation to break your fast prematurely

When these arise, return to your purpose, pray through the discomfort, and remember you're participating in a practice that has transformed lives throughout history.

7. Break Your Fast Wisely

How you end your fast is as important as how you begin:

• For short fasts (1-3 days), break gently with small portions of easily digestible foods

• For longer fasts, reintroduce foods gradually over several days

• Spiritually, take time to reflect on what God revealed during your fast

• Journal insights you received to revisit later

What to Expect: The Extraordinary Work of God

While we cannot manipulate God through fasting, scripture and history show that fasting often precedes extraordinary divine activity:

Increased Spiritual Clarity: Like a radio tuning into a clearer signal, fasting often brings greater clarity to God's voice and direction.

Freedom from Bondage: Many have experienced breakthrough from long-standing struggles during periods of fasting (Isaiah 58:6).

Renewed Compassion: Fasting often awakens empathy for others' suffering and ignites passion for justice.

Miraculous Provision: Throughout church history, fasting has preceded unexpected provision and answered prayer.

Revival and Awakening: From the Welsh Revival to modern movements, corporate fasting has often preceded spiritual awakening.

Final Thoughts

Remember that fasting is not about earning God's favor but positioning yourself to receive what He already wants to give. It's not a spiritual performance but a profound acknowledgment of dependence on God above all else.

As John Piper writes: "Fasting is not the forfeit of physical pleasure for spiritual power, but the exchange of lesser pleasures for greater ones."

Begin this journey expectantly but humbly, knowing that extraordinary works of God often begin with ordinary acts of surrender. Your willingness to sacrifice comfort for connection with God may be the very catalyst for the breakthrough you seek.