How Can Fasting Help Us Get Closer to God?

Fasting: Choosing Discomfort to Re-Focus on God

Scripture References

• Acts 13:1-3

Overview

Fasting is the deliberate choice to give up food—or another normal comfort—for a set time so that every pang of discomfort nudges us to turn toward God. The practice surfaces throughout Scripture: in Old-Testament lament, in Jesus’ 40-day preparation, and in the early church’s decision-making. Today’s teaching explains why fasting shouldn’t be constant, offers biblical and historical snapshots, shares a firsthand day-long fast, and gives practical steps for anyone wanting to try it.

Context

The speaker is filming while currently on a one-day food fast, using fresh personal experience to illustrate each point.

Main Points

1. What Fasting Is

• Voluntarily refraining from eating (or another activity) for a limited time.
• The hunger signal becomes a built-in reminder: “check in with God right now.”
• Because it is meant to interrupt routine, fasting is occasional, not daily. Continuous practice would dull its prompting power.

2. Old-Testament Roots

• Israelites fasted chiefly in grief or urgent prayer—changing into sackcloth, sitting in ashes, going without food.
  • Examples mentioned: corporate confession in Nehemiah; national fear in Esther.
• Purpose: make lament visible to God and keep hearts attentive during crisis.

3. Jesus’ Model

• Before public ministry, Jesus undertook an “epic” 40-day fast in the wilderness.
• The fast aligned Him with the Father and fortified Him to face temptation and the next three years of mission.

4. Early-Church Practice

• Fasting and worship created space to discern God’s direction.

  “Now in the church at Antioch, there were prophets and teachers… While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.”

• Communal fasting is biblical—families, small groups, or whole churches can fast together when seeking guidance.

5. Historical Extensions & Personal Calling

• Some believers later embraced intense asceticism, stripping away many comforts to connect more deeply with God.
• Such extremes are individual callings; each person should discern their own practice with God and trusted counsel.

6. Personal One-Day Fast

• Story: The speaker has felt real discomfort and constant cravings but also discovered unexpected pockets of time for prayer and reflection.
• Key takeaway: hunger can highlight how often everyday busyness crowds out communion with God.

7. Planning Your Own Fast

• Decide timing and length—annual, monthly, or another rhythm; set calendar reminders if helpful.
• Choose the scope:
  • Total food fast, partial food fast, Daniel-style restricted diet, or abstaining from something like social media/TV.
• Consider health realities; consult a doctor if food restrictions could be unsafe.
• Hold expectations loosely: simply make space and trust that God will fill it.

Key Truths

• Discomfort can be a spiritual cue, steering hearts back to God.
• Fasting is purposeful because it breaks routine; constant practice would blunt its effect.
• Scripture shows fasting tied to repentance, preparation, and communal guidance.
• The form and frequency of a fast are personal matters discerned with God and wise counsel.
• Any practice that surrenders normal comfort to seek deeper communion qualifies as fasting.

Response

• Identify one area (food or another comfort) you could relinquish temporarily to focus on God.
• Schedule a specific fasting window and set reminders so it doesn’t slip away.
• When hunger or longing surfaces, pause and pray—tell God how you feel and invite His presence.
• Discuss your plan with a trusted friend or leader for wisdom and accountability.
• After the fast, reflect on what you learned about God’s nearness and your own distractions.

Closing

Fasting is less about heroic self-denial and more about carving out attentiveness. Even a single growling stomach can become a megaphone reminding us, “God is here—talk to Him.” The speaker ends eager to eat again, but far more eager for the renewed closeness the fast has already sparked, encouraging viewers to craft a simple plan and discover the same.