Fasting: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Do It Right

 “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. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. — Matthew 6:16-18

If you’re new to the faith, fasting might sound intense, old-school, or unnecessary. It’s not. Fasting is simply choosing to give something up—usually food—for a set time so you can focus on God without distractions.

People in the Bible fasted when they needed clarity, breakthrough, protection, repentance, or direction. Fasting isn’t about proving anything. Sometimes we feel like we have to do something or strive harder for God to love us or do something for us. It is important to remember that it is only by his grace and mercy that things happen. Your fasting is essentially removing food so that you can position yourself to hear God more clearly and to get out of his way.

Have you ever turned down the music while you were driving so you could focus? Sometimes you need less noise and more of him. Less of your flesh and more of his mercy. Less of food and more scripture. Less worrying and more prayer.

Why Fasting Matters

Fasting does a few important things:

• It helps you focus spiritually instead of physically

• It teaches self-control

• It strengthens your prayer life

• It prepares you for spiritual battles

• It humbles you before God

Jesus commanded His followers would fast. He didn’t say if you fast—He said when you fast. This isn't a optional. It's mandatory. It's what God called us to do.

Different Types of Biblical Fasts

Not every fast looks the same. The Bible shows us several kinds, and you don’t start with the hardest one.

1. No Food, Water Only (Total Fast)

This is the most common fast mentioned in Scripture. You drink water but don’t eat food for a set time.

People fasted this way when they needed serious breakthrough or repentance.

Examples:

• Jesus Christ fasted 40 days in the wilderness before beginning His ministry (Matthew 4)

• Moses fasted while receiving the Ten Commandments

• Ezra fasted for protection and guidance

This type of fast is powerful but challenging. If you’re new, start short—like 12 or 24 hours.

2. The Daniel Fast

The Daniel Fast comes directly from the Book of Daniel, specifically Daniel 1 and Daniel 10, and it’s important to understand it without adding modern rules that aren’t in the Bible. In Daniel 1, Daniel and his friends refused the king’s rich food and wine and chose vegetables and water for ten days, not as a diet but as a way to stay faithful to God in a culture that pressured them to compromise.

In Daniel 10, Daniel fasted for twenty-one days, during which he still ate but avoided “pleasant” or choice foods, meat, wine, and even luxury practices like anointing himself with oil. This shows that the Daniel Fast is a partial fast, not total starvation, and its purpose is simplicity, humility, and spiritual focus not perfection or “clean eating.” The heart of the Daniel Fast is choosing discipline over comfort so you can seek understanding, clarity, and closeness with God without distractions.

3. Extended Fasts (Multiple Days or Weeks)

Extended fasts are longer fasts that require prayer, preparation, and maturity.

Examples:

• Jesus Christ – 40 days (preparing for ministry)

• Moses – 40 days (receiving God’s law)

• Elijah – 40 days (strengthened by God during exhaustion and fear)

These fasts were done during major spiritual moments. They weren’t casual. If you ever attempt something extended, it should be prayer-led. Be mindful of your current physical state and needs. Seek God first.

4. Dry Fast (No Food, No Water)

A dry fast means going without both food and water for a short period, and it is the most extreme type of fast mentioned in Scripture. One example is Esther, who called a three-day dry fast before going to the king to plead for her people in the Book of Esther. At the time, a law had been signed ordering the destruction of the Jewish people, and once that law was sealed, it could not be reversed. Esther’s only option was to approach the king uninvited which was an action that could result in her immediate death. This fast mattered because she wasn’t asking God for comfort she was asking for courage, favor, and intervention before taking a step that could cost her life but save an entire people. A dry fast represents total dependence on God, but it is not for beginners and should never be done casually; in Scripture, it is tied to extreme circumstances and serious obedience, not routine spiritual practice.

After I did the Esther fast last year, my life and relationship with God changed completely. I was seeking him, but I also just needed help. I needed him to draw closer and when I tell you he absolutely did. It was very difficult. I don't recommend starting dry fasting for three days especially if you have health complications. I recommend doing one of the other fasts and maybe doing dry fasting half a day or one day and then building up to a full three-day dry fast after a few weeks or however long it truly takes you. DO NOT do this fast or any fast without seeking GOD first. After this fast, I realized God doesn't need us to do anything, but depend on him and let me brag on him a little bit. He blessed me with a car literally less than 24 hours after I finished. It wasn't something I prayed for but it was something I needed. I didn't even have to pay for it. Haha, it was gifted to me by my family: a total unexpected blessing. Won't he do it ? Every single time.

What Fasting Is Not

• It’s not a hunger strike

• It’s not a way to manipulate God

• It’s not about being seen by others

• It’s not about being “more holy” than anyone else

Fasting works best when it’s quiet, personal, and prayer-focused.

Prayer + Fasting = Breakthrough

Here’s something Jesus said that matters a lot:

“This kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”
— Gospel of Matthew 17:21

Some struggles, habits, fears, and spiritual resistance don’t move with prayer alone. Fasting strengthens your prayers.

How to Break a Fast (This Is Important)

Breaking a fast the wrong way can make you sick.

Here’s how to do it wisely:

• Start small (fruit, soup, broth)

• Avoid heavy, greasy, or sugary foods at first

• Eat slowly

• Thank God before you eat

• Don’t binge to “make up” for fasting

Breaking a fast should be intentional, just like starting one. Breaking a dry fast poorly can make you very sick. Start with water. Then have a smoothie or a juice. This isn't medical advice, just someone who has fasted a lot and has broken her fast the wrong way a few times.

HEART TO HEART

You don’t have to fast to impress God. You fast because you want more of Him and less distraction, less of you, less of whatever is keeping you from your breakthrough.

Start simple. Be honest. Pray while you fast. Even a short fast done with the right heart matters. Read your word. THIS IS IMPORTANT. Read it in the morning and before you go to sleep. Don't depend on social media or anyone else, not even your pastor to be responsible for your relationship with God. Read a little each day so you can truly put on the full armor of God.

Remember, it's ok if you can't finish when you're building up your fasting habit. God knows your heart, but every moment of weakness also isn't your inability to finish as well. Just keep in mind when you are weak God is strong. So be strong in the Lord. Find your strength in him.

Also, guard your heart a bit more during this time. Spiritual warfare sometimes increases because you're drawing near God. You have to have a discerning spirit. You have to keep a sharp eye out for temptation. Staying off of social media is important during this time as well. Social media can be the devil's playground when you're trying to go down a righteous path or when you're simply just vulnerable. It's just too easy for the devil to use a post or something so simple to play on your insecurities or disturb your peace.

If there's anything that you know you usually indulge in, just give it a break so God can talk to you. Also, don't be afraid to ask him to. We'll get into how to be sure you're hearing God's voice clearly in another post, but just know GOD'S VOICE DOES NOT CONTRADICT HIS WORD! ASK FOR WISDOM. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HEARING GOD'S VOICE.

Talk to you soon. Don't Forget Your Prayers. — L