By Pastor Stephanie Burnette
The reason we fast is to draw near to the Lord by intentionally spending time with Him. Without that purpose, fasting is simply going hungry.
God calls us to refocus our attention on Him, and the beginning of a new year is a powerful time to do just that.
When we deny our flesh food, it’s like waking up our physical bodies and realigning them with our spiritual selves. Fasting helps reconnect what is often distracted or dulled by comfort and routine.
Let’s be honest—it’s hard to say no to the things we enjoy: coffee, ice cream, sweets, or even good and healthy foods. But when you can give up a favorite food or even skip a meal, you are training yourself to say no to the flesh and that discipline strengthens your ability to say no to sin.
When we say no to our flesh, our spiritual selves become more awake and more aware. During fasting, I find myself listening more closely and becoming more attentive to the Spirit of God. And somehow, the days seem to move more slowly. Maybe there’s a reason for that. Perhaps God is inviting us into a different pace with Him, one that creates space to listen, reflect, and abide.
That’s why prayer is so important during a fast. Every hunger pang is an opportunity to pray. When you feel that desire for food, turn it into a moment with God:
“Lord, draw me close to You.”
“Lord, I seek You over this situation.”
“I’m praying for healing for this person.”
“I’m believing You for a miracle.”
From January 1–21, we will gather for prayer Monday through Friday from 12:00 PM–1:00 PM at every LifePoint Church campus. You are invited to join us!
These moments of prayer, both when we gather as a church and on our own, will strengthen us spiritually, so let’s prioritize them.
Jesus reminds us of the heart behind fasting in Matthew 6:16–18:
“And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
The point of fasting is not hunger.
The discipline of fasting is about deepening our life of prayer so we can draw close to the Lord.
