07/13/2025 When We Fast
5 Day Devotional
Day 1: Day 1: Drawing Closer to God
Devotional
What if your breakthrough moment or your mountaintop moment that you've been waiting for isn't found fighting harder or climbing higher, but in drawing closer to God? Fasting is a powerful way to draw closer to God by removing distractions and focusing on Him. When we fast, we voluntarily choose to abstain from food for spiritual purposes, making a deliberate choice to be hungry for God. This act of self-denial goes against our natural desires but brings us into a deeper awareness of His presence.
Fasting is not just an occasional practice but a regular discipline that Jesus expects us to engage in. It is mentioned 77 times in the Bible, more than even baptism. By fasting, we humble our souls, acknowledge our dependence on God, and prepare ourselves for spiritual battles.
As you begin this journey, remember that fasting is not about earning God's favor but about drawing closer to Him. It's about creating space in your life for God to move and speak.
'When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.' - Matthew 6:16
Bible Verse
'When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.' - Matthew 6:16
Reflection Question
How can you create space in your life to draw closer to God through fasting?
Quote
What if your breakthrough moment or your mountaintop moment that you've been waiting for isn't found fighting harder or climbing higher, but in drawing closer to God?
Prayer
Lord, help me to draw closer to You through the discipline of fasting. Remove the distractions in my life and make me more aware of Your presence. Amen.
Day 2: Day 2: The Assumption of Spiritual Disciplines
Devotional
God says when you pray, when you fast, and when you give. He didn't say if you pray, if you fast, and if you give. These are not optional practices but assumed disciplines for every believer. Fasting, in particular, is a powerful way to humble our souls and acknowledge our dependence on God.
Despite its importance, only 21% of Christians participate in fasting. This is not because fasting is not found in the Bible but because it is difficult and uncomfortable. However, the discomfort of fasting is precisely what makes it so transformative. It goes against our flesh and forces us to rely on God.
As you consider fasting, remember that it is a voluntary choice to be hungry for God. It is an act of desperation and dependence on Him. By embracing this discipline, you open yourself up to experiencing God's presence in a deeper way.
'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
Bible Verse
'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
Reflection Question
What spiritual disciplines do you need to embrace more fully in your life?
Quote
God says when you pray, when you fast and when you give. He didn't say if you pray, if you fast and if you give.
Prayer
Lord, help me to embrace the spiritual disciplines of prayer, fasting, and giving. Give me the strength to overcome the discomfort and draw closer to You. Amen.
Day 3: Day 3: The Power of Fasting
Devotional
Fasting is the voluntary choice to abstain from food for spiritual purposes. For a set amount of time, you are making a voluntary choice to be hungry because you are hungry for God. This act of self-denial goes radically against our flesh and our natural desires, but it is a powerful way to draw closer to God.
Fasting increases our awareness of God's presence by removing distractions and quieting the noise of the world. It helps us discern His will and brings favor in difficult situations. Fasting also provides power over demonic forces and prepares us for spiritual battles.
As you fast, remember that it is not about earning God's favor but about creating space for Him to move in your life. It is an act of desperation and dependence on God, acknowledging that you need Him more than anything else.
'After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.' - Matthew 4:2
Bible Verse
'After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.' - Matthew 4:2
Reflection Question
How can fasting help you become more aware of God's presence in your life?
Quote
Fasting is the voluntary choice to abstain from food for the spiritual purposes. For a set amount of time, you are making a voluntary choice. In other words, fasting is the choice to be hungry because we are hungry for God.
Prayer
Lord, help me to embrace the discipline of fasting and become more aware of Your presence. Quiet the noise of the world and help me to discern Your will. Amen.
Day 4: Day 4: Fasting as a Spiritual Battle
Devotional
Remember that Christianity is like stepping into a war zone. You're facing a battle each and every day, and prayer and fasting prepare us for that battle. Fasting is not just about abstaining from food; it is about preparing our hearts and minds for the spiritual battles we face.
Fasting gives us more awareness of God's presence, humbles our souls, and helps us discern His will. It also brings favor in divine situations and provides power over demonic forces. By fasting, we acknowledge our dependence on God and prepare ourselves for the battles ahead.
As you fast, remember that you are not alone in this battle. We are called to fight together as a community of believers. Encourage one another, pray for one another, and fast together. Together, we can overcome the challenges we face and experience the power of God in our lives.
'But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.' - Matthew 17:21
Bible Verse
'But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.' - Matthew 17:21
Reflection Question
How can you prepare yourself for spiritual battles through fasting and prayer?
Quote
Remember that Christianity is like stepping into a war zone. You're facing a battle each and every day, and prayer and fasting prepares us for that battle.
Prayer
Lord, help me to prepare for the spiritual battles I face through fasting and prayer. Give me the strength to rely on You and fight together with my fellow believers. Amen.
Day 5: Day 5: Fasting Together
Devotional
You're not going to get to the top of the mountain by yourself. When they go climb Mount Everest, it's a group of people that go do it together. It's never a single individual. In the same way, fasting is not meant to be done alone. We are called to fast together as a community of believers.
Ask, share, serve one another, break bread with one another, fast with one another, and encourage one another. Fasting together strengthens our faith and prepares us for the spiritual battles we face. It also helps us to feel closer to God and less attached to this world.
As you fast, remember that you are not alone. We are in this together, and together we can experience the power of God in our lives. Encourage one another, pray for one another, and fast together.
'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.' - Acts 13:2-3
Bible Verse
'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.' - Acts 13:2-3
Reflection Question
How can you encourage and support others in your community to fast and pray together?
Quote
You're not going to get to the top of the mountain by yourself. I'll just tell you. When they go climb Mount Everest, when they go climb Mount Everest, it's a group of people that go do it together. It's never a single individual.
Prayer
Lord, help us to fast and pray together as a community of believers. Strengthen our faith and prepare us for the spiritual battles we face. Amen.