Fasting: The Worst, Best Thing
First things first: I've always approached fasting with a bit of dread.
One of my favorite things is a warm pastry and a latte. I make scones from scratch and keep them unbaked in the freezer so I can pull one out, pop it in the oven, and enjoy it fresh whenever I want. Fasting—going without something that brings me joy—is, at times, miserable.
Fasting also doesn’t make much sense to me. I like cause and effect, logic, and consistency. There’s a reason I enjoy writing code; it’s clean, elegant, and predictable. But there's no logical connection between giving up something I enjoy in one area of my life and experiencing immeasurable change, healing, and breakthrough in a completely unrelated area. It’s messy, unpleasant, and illogical. But, in a bewildering way, fasting has been one of the primary ways God has worked good in and through my life.
History is full of examples of people fasting and God responding in astounding ways. In the book of Esther, when King Xerxes decreed that all the Jews should be killed, Queen Esther asked her people to fast before she approached the king for mercy. As you may know, in a clever twist, the king declared that the Jewish people should defend themselves, and they not only survived but triumphed over their enemies.
In Jonah’s story, after Nineveh was warned that God planned to destroy the city because of all the evil they had done, the people declared a fast, and God relented. This story has always fascinated me because the Ninevites didn't believe in God; they worshiped a pantheon of gods that didn't include God. But when they heard Jonah’s words, they “believed God” and chose fasting as a way ask him to change his plans for their city.
Even Jesus fasted as he was beginning his ministry. He spent 40 days in the wilderness fasting and facing off against the devil. Jesus doesn't say why he chose to fast. But whether it contributed to his ability to resist temptation or something else entirely, it's certainly an example for us of how to experience victory on our most difficult days.
I’m writing this now, having committed to fasting for the week—and I’m not particularly enjoying it. But just a few days in, I’ve already heard God speak to me about things I've been asking him about for years. And he's opened doors I’d given up on. I can’t explain how or why.
If you like to control outcomes (who doesn’t?), fasting might be uniquely challenging. But God moves and is moved by the prayers of his people, and in my life, fasting has played a significant part in that. Though unpleasant, these times are often the most meaningful and clear-sighted. It's never been something I look forward to, but fasting is always something I look back on with profound gratitude and a bit of wonder.
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It’s important to note that there are a variety of ways to fast. For some of us, restricting food can be a trigger and may not be wise. But fasting from social media, Netflix, ESPN, music, or any time-consuming activity can be just as powerful. I’ve known people who only drink juice or stick to fruits, veggies, and grains—sometimes called a Daniel fast, because it’s how Daniel and his friends ate when they were held captive in Babylon and didn’t want to eat the king's food.
If you're new to fasting, a quick google search will give you a long list of resources about the medical benefits of fasting, and how to do it safely. This article from WebMD is a good place to start. For a spiritual perspective, you can find some practical tips and helpful ideas in these articles from Life Church on food and social media fasts.
Whatever you choose to give up, you're joining a long tradition of people coming to God expectantly, hoping to see him move.
Looking for more resources on spiritual disciplines? Find a list of some of our favorite books, podcasts, and articles to help you build momentum and grow, here.