Fasting is an important spiritual practice found throughout the Bible. It means choosing not to eat or drink for a time not just as a rule, but as a way to draw closer to God, ask for His help, and grow stronger in faith. This article explores why people fasted in the Bible, what God promises when we fast with the right heart, and how you can fast in a way that honors God and helps you grow spiritually.
Why Jesus Talks About Fasting — The Wedding and the Bridegroom (Matthew 9:14–15)
One of the most important verses about fasting is in Matthew 9:14–15. Jesus was asked why His followers didn’t fast like others did. He said:
“Can the wedding guests be sad while the bridegroom is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.” (Matthew 9:15)
Jesus compares Himself to a bridegroom at a wedding. When the bridegroom is there, everyone is happy and celebrating. But when He is gone, people fast to show they miss Him and want Him back. Fasting is a way to show we are serious about God, especially when we feel far from Him or need His help.
It is important to note that if a person constantly feels without God’s presence due to repeated sin, fasting alone cannot fix this. While fasting expresses our hunger for God, ongoing sin that breaks fellowship requires more than personal discipline. It demands honest self-reflection, repentance, support from trusted believers, and intercession from others.
Using frequent fasting to “repair” a cycle of sin is dangerous. It can lead to physical harm or spiritual exhaustion. True restoration requires addressing the root sin through community, grace, and God’s power, not just fasting. For believers, yearning for the Holy Spirit’s presence is healthy. But if sin blocks that relationship, we should seek help and not fast our way to death.
Growing Strong in Faith and Witness — John the Baptist’s Example
John the Baptist lived a simple and disciplined life. He spent a lot of time alone in the wilderness, eating very simple food and focusing on God. Although the Bible doesn’t say John fasted in the usual way, his lifestyle shows he gave up many comforts to prepare himself for his important work.
John’s way of living helped him be a strong witness for God. His example shows us that fasting or giving up certain things can help us focus on God and be ready to share His message with others.
Fasting for Healing and Guidance
After Paul met Jesus in a powerful way, he didn’t eat or drink for three days (Acts 9:9). This fast helped him heal and understand God’s plan for his life. Paul’s fast shows us that fasting can be very helpful when we face big changes or need God’s help to make important decisions.
Preparing for Ministry
In Acts 13:2–3, the early church fasted and prayed before sending out Barnabas and Paul on a mission. They wanted to make sure God was leading them and blessing their work. This shows that fasting is a way to ask God to guide us and give us His strength before we start important tasks.
Choosing Leaders
When Paul and Barnabas picked leaders for the new churches, they fasted and prayed (Acts 14:23). This shows that fasting helps us ask God for wisdom and make good choices, especially when it comes to important decisions about who will lead God’s people.
Bringing Light, Healing, and Justice
Isaiah 58 talks about the kind of fasting God wants. It’s not just about not eating, but about helping others and living right. God promises that when we fast the right way, good things happen — light shines in the darkness, people are healed, justice is done, and communities are restored.
This means fasting is about changing our hearts and actions so we can be a blessing to others and show God’s love in the world.
To Glorify God
The ultimate goal of fasting is to glorify God and not to harm ourselves or draw attention. If fasting makes us unproductive, unduly withdrawn from others, or weak in unhealthy ways, then something is wrong.
Moses came down from Mount Sinai with a glowing, joyful face after fasting (Exodus 34:29–35). Daniel and his friends looked healthier and stronger after their simple diet (Daniel 1). Jesus taught in Matthew 6 that when we fast, we should still look normal and not appear sad or worn out, so that fasting remains a humble act before God, not a show for others.
Negative effects from fasting often point to wrong motives or poor methods. The Holy Spirit can inspire a fast that leads to healing and strength, not weakness or sickness.
There are also medically proven health benefits of fasting when done properly. It can help the body detoxify and improve certain health markers. The Bible warns against overindulgence and encourages balance. Ecclesiastes 10:17 says it is good when we eat for strength, not for gluttony. This balance shows that God values health and strength alongside spiritual devotion.
Fasting as a Cry for Help When Struggling to Understand God’s Word
Sometimes, when we read the Bible, we may feel confused or unsure about what God is saying or how to apply it in our lives. This confusion can be deeply troubling because our spiritual life depends on understanding God’s truth.
In such moments, fasting can be a powerful way to cry out to God for help. It is a humble and urgent way of saying, “Lord, I need Your guidance. I want to understand Your Word clearly because my life depends on it.”
Fasting helps us focus, quiets distractions, and opens our hearts to receive God’s wisdom and revelation. It is not a magic formula but a sincere expression of dependence on God’s Spirit to lead us into truth.
Important Warning
Fasting Can Be Dangerous If Not Done Wisely. While it is a powerful spiritual practice, it is very important to be careful. Some people who have fasted too long or without proper guidance have become very sick or even died.
The Bible tells us about Moses and Elijah fasting for 40 days without food or water, but they were given special strength by God. For most people, fasting without water for a long time is very dangerous and can cause serious harm.
Because of this, fasting should be done carefully and with respect for your health. If you have any medical problems or concerns, please talk to a doctor before you fast. Fasting is meant to draw us closer to God, not to hurt our bodies.
How to Fast in a Way That Pleases God
Focus on Your Heart
Jesus said in Matthew 6:16–18 that fasting should be done quietly and sincerely, not to show off.
Get Ready
Before you fast, pray and ask God what He wants you to do. Decide how long you will fast and why.
Different Ways to Fast
Complete fast: No food or drink except water.
Partial fast: Giving up certain foods or meals (like Daniel).
Long fast: For many days — only under God’s leading and if you are healthy.
How Long?
Fast for part of a day, a full day, or more. Let God guide you.
What to Do While Fasting
Pray, read the Bible, meditate, and help others. Isaiah 58 reminds us to feed the hungry and care for the needy.
How to Stop Fasting
Break your fast gently. Start with light foods and water.
Be Careful
Talk to a doctor if you have health issues.
Remember
Fasting is not a way to make God do what we want. It is a humble way to ask for His help and listen to Him. Some people may not need to fast their entire lives and still grow spiritually.
Our relationship with God is that of Father and Child. When that relationship is intact, there may be few reasons to afflict one’s soul.
A Life-Changing Journey
In conclusion, fasting is a powerful way to grow closer to God. As Jesus said in Matthew 9:15, fasting shows our deep desire for Him when He is not as close as we want. It helps us be strong witnesses, find healing and guidance, prepare for ministry, and choose good leaders.
When we fast the way God wants, we become lights in the darkness, bring healing to ourselves and others, and help make the world a better place.
Pray and ask God if He wants you to try fasting. Do it not just for yourself, but to honor God and help others through love and justice.
“Then shall your light break forth as the morning, and your health shall spring forth speedily.” (Isaiah 58:8)
Fasting is more than giving up food. It’s a journey of drawing closer to God, growing in faith, and becoming a blessing to the world around us.