FASTING Frequently Asked Questions

We don’t fast for miracles as an act of works, we fast for miracles as an act of faith. I want to be very clear that fasting was never meant to be about our works, but about an act of our obedience. Jesus’ teaching was direct when He said some things only happen by prayer and fasting.

Matthew 17:21 “However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”

I have wrestled with the concept of fasting for miracles for some time. I don’t believe that our works or effort turn the heart of God. But I do believe that obedience brings

the favor of God. I do believe that God desires us to temper our flesh. He tells us not to gratify the desires of the flesh. Fasting is simply a way to battle your flesh. Fasting is a way to teach us to move from the natural to the supernatural. From the physical to the divine. It is an act of our will.

And I believe that often our breakthrough is around the corner. We have prayed and we have believed, but have we fasted? Fasting was a discipline in both the Old and the New Testament. Fasting demonstrates our agreement with God that we are willing to stay strong and fight the battle of any fleshly desire. We stand strong and believe with God for the supernatural. I, for one have seen God move through the supernatural. Through the unexpected. I have seen Him work miracles.

God always hears our requests and yes, He does answer. Sometimes it takes longer than we would like and often the answer is not the one we want. But yes, God answers our request. Did you ever stop to think maybe God knows something you don’t? Maybe it’s about timing or a needed change in your life. Maybe God is waiting on you to do something before He answers. God is never late, and He is never unaware of our needs. He is perfectly in love with you and knows what you need before you even ask.

The quick answer is no. Fasting is not for God, fasting is for you. It is an act of discipline and obedience that you alone benefit from. Fasting puts on notice all the demonic forces that try to keep you from victory. Your fast is your weapon of warfare. God might be disappointed that you did not follow through for your answer and breakthrough, but He is never mad at you for not completing your fast.

Because Jesus said there is power and victory that comes through fasting. This is a spiritual exercise and discipline that moves the heart of God and brings about answers to your prayer. Fasting also suppresses your flesh and ignites your spirit. I know first- hand the power and anointing that comes from fasting. The enemy hates it when we get serious with God and learn to not rely on the ability of our flesh.

No. While physical fasting is healthy and at times, even needed, it does not affect your prayer life or move the heart of God like a spiritual fast does. Remember, when Jesus said to the disciples “When you fast, anoint your head and wash your feet”. Matthew 6:17. He was not referring to simply not eating food. The disciples knew this was a spiritual requirement and part of their regular routine. Jesus spoke of fasting because there is power in fasting. There is something beyond the physical realm that unleashes the power of God.

This can either be fasting from food and drink or drink only liquids (you establish the number of days). This is not for everyone. It is a very intense and potentially dangerous type of fast. The bible is clear to say that God led them and sustained them. Make sure you check with your physician before starting an absolute fast. Moses and Jesus fasted forty days but let me remind you that this was a supernatural or miraculous fast.

In a partial fast, you choose certain hours to abstain from food. Say, sunup to sundown. Or nothing to eat until noon. The times are up to you. “When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.” Nehemiah 1:4

Fruit and vegetable juices only. You only drink liquids for twenty-one days. Juice, shakes, coffee, water, etc.

“...and then was a widow until she was eighty-four, She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.” Luke 2:37

You don’t eat any meat, or sweets, and no bread. Drink water and juice. You eat only fruits and vegetables. “Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink.” Daniel 1:12 “So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes.” Daniel 9:3 “I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over.” Daniel 10:3

Join a group of believers to fast and pray for a specific matter. This is the type of fast we are doing as a church. We are asking God to do a new work and bring a fresh move of His Spirit. We have been invited to participate in a group fast with a specific outcome.

Esther appealed to God’s people to come together in a corporate fast for the welfare of the Jews. “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.” Esther 4:16

While Jesus did not give us a detailed outline of things we are to abstain from during a fast, He did model isolation as a means to truly focus on God. Jesus often withdrew from His disciples to spend time alone with God. “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” Luke 5:16