Pastor Tricia's Ramblings

Fasting is a practice steeped in significance, rooted in both tradition and spiritual discipline. As we dive into the scriptures, particularly Isaiah 58:1–12, Acts 2:42–47, Matthew 6:16, and Galatians 5:1, we come to understand fasting not merely as an act of abstaining from food, but as a lifelong journey of seeking God. Fasting fosters unity within the body of Christ, facilitates prayer, and helps us to grow in our collective purpose. In embracing this discipline, we uncover the heart of God, drawing closer to His will as we actively engage in our Christian lives.

The Early Church: A Testament to All-in Faith

Acts 2:42–47 offers a poignant depiction of the early church, a community that chose to embrace their faith wholly. The believers joined together in unwavering devotion, dedicating themselves to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer. Within this framework, they held all things in common, ensuring that no one experienced lack.
Their unity and generosity weren’t incidental; they were the outflow of a transformation fueled by the Holy Spirit. This community marked itself as being different from the broader culture, characterized by their daily acts of love, service, and worship. They lived life together, sharing their joys and struggles, resulting in regular encounters with God that led to genuine signs and wonders.
This monastic model of discipleship was birthed out of an understanding that to follow Christ required total commitment. We see so clearly today that action is required on our part in our pursuit of a deeper relationship with God.

The Call to Fast: Understanding Jesus’ Invitation

Fasting is introduced in a powerful moment of Jesus’ ministry. In Matthew 9:14–15, John’s disciples question Him as to why He and his followers did not fast while others did. Jesus responds, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.” This profound revelation indicates a shift—a time has come where Jesus’ followers must embrace fasting.
Today, we are those disciples. Fasting serves as a necessary discipline in our walk with Christ. It isn’t a trendy diet or a way to impress others with self-control. Instead, it’s an incredible opportunity to seek the heart of God with unparalleled intention.
Perhaps you find yourself hesitant to embrace this ancient practice. You may wonder whether it genuinely holds value or if it’s simply an outdated ritual. Let me challenge you: reflect on Isaiah 58:1–12 as you meditate on the essence of fasting. This passage beautifully outlines what a true fast entails—it’s less about abstaining from food and more about how that abstinence leads to deeper compassion and a desire to seek justice for others.

True Fasting: A Shift from Self to Service

Fasting, when viewed through a biblical lens, transcends personal gain or health benefits. It is a sacred time designed for us to seek the Lord for ourselves, our families, our communities, and those God places in our lives. The Lord longs to communicate with us, revealing incredible insights and understanding about our role in His Kingdom.
In Isaiah 58, God challenges the people, moving beyond the external practices of fasting into the heart of the matter—understanding that true fasting is about seeking justice, setting free the oppressed, and pouring ourselves out for others. When we surrender our lives to God, we begin to glimpse His vision for our existence, understanding that we are part of something far greater than ourselves.
Imagine embarking on a fast that fervently engages you with the desires and aspirations of your heart. This allows you to offer your prayers for healing, guidance, and clarity. The truth is that God still desires to do remarkable things in and through us. However, our willingness to engage with Him through prayer and fasting becomes a catalyst for His work in our lives.

The Practical Side of Fasting: Steps to Consider

Should you choose to embrace fasting, practical preparation is crucial. Here’s how to approach the discipline effectively:

1. Plan Your Fast: Determine how many days you plan to fast. It can range from skipping a single meal to committing to multiple days of fasting. Whether you decide on skipping breakfast or fasting entirely for a week, think through its feasibility for your life circumstances. The aim is to have clear intentions behind your fast.
2. Decide Your Fasting Method: Different types of fasts suit diverse lifestyles. Determine whether you will completely abstain from food, engage in a partial fast, or adhere to intermittent fasting. For example, you might consume food only between sunset and sunrise. However, ensure that when you choose a 12-hour fast, it shouldn’t coincide with your sleeping hours; rather, it should engage your awareness and spirit during your waking moments.
3. Longer Fasts: If considering an extended fast, such as 21, 30, or 40 days, it is crucial to seek medical supervision and guidance. Ensure that your body is ready for your fasting commitment, and ascertain that God has indeed called you to take that step.
4. Create a Sacred Space: As you set aside this holy time, carve out specific moments each day to spend with God. This could involve spending quiet time in prayer, reading Scripture, or simply being still before Him, seeking His presence. Your fast is not just about refraining from food, but dedicating the time you gain towards enriching your relationship with Him.
5. Journaling Your Experience: Document everything! Write down what you are believing God for during your fasting period and keep a journal of what you experience. What scripture speaks to you? What revelations do you receive in moments of prayer? This journal can be a vital record of your spiritual journey, animating your understanding of God.
6. Maintain Privacy: Recognize that fasting is a personal commitment between you and God. Unless absolutely necessary, you should keep it private. For instance, your family needs to be informed that you won’t be joining them for meals; however, refrain from discussing your fasting journey with others unless it serves a specific purpose. Remember what Jesus said in Matthew 6:16-18 about keeping your fast between you and God.

Honoring God and Family

As you embark on your fast, it’s essential to acknowledge the dynamics within your family. Don’t sit at the dinner table and make them feel guilty for eating while you choose to abstain. Instead, redirect your focus. Go get along with God—pray and seek Him earnestly during this time. Intentional engagement with Him allows you to honor Him in the holy space you’ve carved out.
Incorporating Scripture into your prayer during your fast can be a powerful way to stay connected to God’s will. When we pray the scriptures, we know we are engaging with His heart and asking according to His desires. Consider verses that affirm His promises and character, trusting that He will hear you during this time. He desires to spend time with you even more than you may wish to be with Him.
As you enter this period, list what you are believing for. Make it clear why you are fasting—clarifying your intentions will deepen your focus and strengthen your resolve. Throughout the fast, journal what God shows you or speaks to you, allowing you to reflect and grow.

The Spirit of Expectation: Get Ready for the Adventure

As you embark on your fasting journey, prepare yourself for the adventure that lies ahead. Fasting opens up a whole new dimension in your relationship with God and reveals the depths of His heart and purpose for your life. This period will challenge you, refine you, and cause you to rely entirely on the Holy Spirit.
Expect to encounter God in profound ways! As you are faithful in prayer and seek His will, anticipate powerful movements in your spirit and within your circumstances.
Have you fasted before? Can you recall moments where you genuinely sensed God’s presence or witnessed His hand at work? Consider sharing those experiences, both to encourage others and to foster a community of believers who embrace the practice of fasting. By sharing our collective testimonies, we learn and strengthen one another in the body of Christ.

The Freedom Found in Fasting

Finally, as Paul writes in Galatians 5:1, “For freedom, Christ has set us free. Stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” When we engage in fasting, we actively participate in a journey of liberation—freedom from distractions, from self-focused desires, and from the chains of life itself.
This discipline helps us to disentangle ourselves from worldly concerns, ultimately redirecting our hearts toward God’s eternal purpose. Through fasting, we align ourselves with His will, and we experience the freedom that comes with surrender.
In conclusion, fasting is an intimate and transformative journey for all believers today. Just as the early church dedicated themselves to prayer and fellowship, we too must set apart time to deepen our relationship with God. As you consider embarking on a fast, let this become an opportunity for spiritual growth, insight, and a powerful adventure with your Creator.
May your fast be filled with revelations from the Lord as you seek Him with your whole heart, leading you into deeper communion with Him and the community of believers around you. Embrace fasting not as a burden but as a beautifully sacred rhythm of life that keeps you attuned to the presence of God.