What Is Fasting Really For?

What is biblical fasting, and why did Jesus expect His followers to practice it?

In this episode of FaithFuel, Bob Shaw explores one of the Bible's most misunderstood spiritual disciplines. Learn what fasting is, what it isn't, and how setting aside a physical need can help us focus more intentionally on God.

Whether you've never fasted before or simply want a better understanding of its purpose, this devotional offers practical encouragement rooted in Scripture.

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Transcript

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Jesus didn't say if you fast, he said when you fast. I'm Bob Shaw, and this is Faith Fuel. Fasting is one of those subjects a lot of Christians have heard about, but many of us have never really practiced. I'm in that group. Full disclosure, fasting is not something I've done very much over the years. Maybe that's why I found myself asking, what's the point? After all, if God already knows our hearts and Jesus has already made the way for us to come to him, why fast? Well, as I spent more time reading what the Bible says, I realized fasting isn't about getting God to do something. It isn't a way to earn his favor, and it doesn't make our prayers more powerful. It's really about setting aside a physical need so we can give greater attention to a spiritual one. Jesus assumed his followers would fast. In Matthew 6, he didn't say if you fast, he said when you fast. That tells me fasting was not meant to be some unusual practice reserved for super spiritual Christians. It's for all of us. And it's one of the ways we learn to depend on God. My wife Sherry has an interesting way of reminding herself of that. Every year during the Lenten season, she gives up sweets. It's her way of keeping her attention on him. Every time she'd normally reach for something sweet, she's reminded to think about the Lord instead. I like that. The Bible usually describes fasting as going without food for a time. Now Sherry's practice isn't exactly the same, but I love the reminder behind it. Every time she says no to something she enjoys, she's reminded to say yes to spending time with God. You ever notice how much of our day revolves around food? Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks. Imagine skipping just one meal. Every time your stomach reminds you you're hungry, let it remind you to pray, to thank God, to spend a few minutes in his word. That's what fasting can become. Hunger isn't just hunger anymore. It's an invitation. It's an invitation to remember how much we need him. Whether it's for one meal, a day, or longer. The purpose has always been the same. Not to get God to notice us, he's already there. It's to intentionally draw closer to the one who's already invited us into a relationship with him. Lord, thank you for giving us ways to grow closer to you. Teach us to depend on you more than our comforts and routines. Whether we fast or simply set aside time to seek you, help us keep our eyes on you and grow in our love for you each day. In Jesus' name, Amen. Sometimes the simplest spiritual disciplines can have the deepest impact. If Faith Fuel has been an encouragement to you, I'd love for you to follow the podcast and join me again for another weekday devotional. I'm Bob Shaw. Peace and joy.