Does Fasting Really Make a Difference?

Let’s talk about fasting.  Does it really make a difference?  Do we really need to deny ourselves in order to pray?

Today, I am not speaking as a theologian or as a doctor.  So, I’m not going to share all the Biblical history of fasting with you.  (I do encourage you to read your Bible to see for yourself how important fasting has always been.)  I’m also not going to speak from a doctor’s point of view and say that if this is unhealthy for you, simply give up something else for a day.

Nope, I’m speaking from the heart of an intercessor, and yes, I’m talking about the truest form of fasting; giving up eating anything for a specified period of time.  Perhaps, you have wondered how not eating could make your prayer more powerful.  Maybe, you’ve been tempted to try fasting and then had a million different reasons why it just wouldn’t work for you.  I think that’s normal.    

Most of us don’t like skipping meals or denying ourselves, so why do it?  Why did I decide I needed to fast today?  As one of God’s intercessors, I am wanting to feel closer to Him.  I’m wanting to remind myself all day that I want him more than I want anything else, even food.  I’m well aware that as the day goes on my body will feel the effects of not eating.  One of those will be a feeling of weakness.  When it comes, I’ll remind myself that God’s power is made perfect in my weakness. 

I can tell myself that each day, but it’s different when I actually feel my body grow weaker.  I can tell myself that I am seeking God’s direction in all the decisions that I am making, but it’s different when you know your thinking isn’t as sharp as normal.  Then, I must rely on God to give me the answers.  Fasting gives me a constant awareness of seeking God.  It reminds me that He is all powerful and it helps me realize on a different level why I need Him. 

I don’t fast without prayer.  As an intercessor fasting and prayer go together.  The reason I’m fasting is to draw closer to God.  In drawing closer to him, I need to talk with him.  I need to hear him.  Therefore, I need to be in a longer time of prayer or in multiple times of prayer throughout the day.  I don’t usually tell anyone when I’m fasting except my husband.  As I’m the one who prepares our meals it’s helpful for him to know I won’t be joining him to eat.  I’ll be with God, praying.

If you’re considering fasting and prayer yourself and you’ve never done it before; start with one meal.  You don’t have to rearrange your schedule, just plan to go somewhere alone during that mealtime and instead of eating; pray.  Trust me that by the time the mealtime arrives you will already be aware of changes happening in your body.  For one, you’ll be hungry.  That’s the moment you make a choice.  Will you deny yourself and spend that time alone seeking God in prayer?  When the next mealtime arrives, remember to stop and pray before you break your fast and give thanks to God for being more important than anything in your life.  I’m excited for you to experience knowing that you can deny yourself to accept more of God.  There truly is nothing more satisfying than time with our Lord; not even a meal.