Why Christians are Slow to Fast

The Bible doesn’t come right out and say, “Thou shalt fast.” But there are several examples of fasting in both the Old and New Testaments. When Jesus taught his disciples basic principles of godly living in the Sermon on the Mount, He spoke directly on the topic of fasting. He said, “When you fast,” not “If you fast.” Jesus’ words in Matt. 6:16 imply that fasting should be a regular practice in the lives of His followers.

Should be. But often isn’t.

And why is that?

I believe it’s because of three main reasons. But before we take a look at those reasons, we need to define the the term fast.

What is fasting?

When you fast, you deny yourself food, or certain foods, for a specified period of time as an act of surrender and worship. Someone who commits to a fast is saying, “Lord, nothing is more important than You. I’m ready to sacrifice my time, my physical comfort and my desires so I can hear from You.”

There are basically three different types of fasts*:

• Absolute — no food or water

• Liquid — water, fruit and vegetable juices, and/or broth

• Partial — eating certain groups of foods and restricting others (i.e., a Daniel Fast)

Why we don’t fast

When you fast, you deny yourself food, or certain foods, for a specified period of time as an act of surrender and worship. Someone who commits to a fast is saying, “Lord, nothing is more important than You. I’m ready to sacrifice my time, my physical comfort and my desires so I can hear from You.”

Anyone who has done a fast — whether absolute, liquid or partial (such as the Daniel Fast)—would agree that fasting is difficult. Physically, you may suffer from unpleasant side effects, such as headaches, fatigue and intestinal discomfort, as your body attempts to adjust to the reduced caloric intake. Spiritually, attacks from the enemy increase in frequency and intensity, resulting in a barrage of frustrations and setbacks that can seem overwhelming.

But, the same people who would be honest about the challenges of fasting would also concur that the sacrifices are well worth the rewards. As you draw near to God, you experience a whole new level of relationship with Him. You become more sensitive to the work of the Holy Spirit and can hear His voice more clearly.

Why, then, would believers refuse such an opportunity to enjoy sweet communion with the Lord? In most cases, it’s not due to a lack of desire. Instead, we hold back because of fear, ignorance or rebellion. And, trust me, I’ve experienced all three.

Fear

We’re afraid. Afraid of the unknown. Afraid of feeling hunger pangs. Afraid of starting and not finishing. Afraid of fasting alone. The enemy gets us all bound up in fearful thoughts, and we convince ourselves we could never do it. Instead of looking to the Lord for strength and help, we become consumed with our weaknesses and paralyzed by fear.

Ignorance

Many Christians simply have not been taught about the importance of seeking God in this way. Churches often do not encourage fasting and, in many cases, never even mention it from the pulpit. For example, I grew up in a Bible-believing church, but I don’t remember hearing a single message on fasting until I was an adult. I wish I would have learned at a much younger age about the benefits and blessings of fasting.

Rebellion

A large segment of the Christian population is aware of the benefits of fasting, yet they’re unwilling to submit to the Lord in this area of their lives. Their hearts are hardened when it comes to the idea of fasting. When God invites them to draw near to Him through a time of focused prayer, they dig their heels into the ground and stubbornly reply, “No!”

Why we should fast

When accompanied by fervent prayer, fasting will help you develop intimacy with the Savior in a powerful way. God promises that when we seek Him wholeheartedly, we will be richly rewarded.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled” (Matt. 5:6 NIV).

Following are a few reasons why you should make periodic fasts part of your relationship with the Lord.

• Fasting is the example set by Jesus.

First and foremost, we should fast because Jesus did. Our Savior spent 40 days and nights in the wilderness fasting and praying before He began His public ministry (Matthew 4:1-11). During that time, the Lord was able to defeat Satan’s attacks because He was prayed up and armed with the Word of God. Jesus’ example shows us how fasting equips and empowers us for victory over sin. If Jesus, the Son of God, recognized the importance of fasting in His life, shouldn’t we as well?

• Fasting helps you grow in faith.

Self-denial does not come naturally to us because the flesh is wired for indulgence. Therefore, when you commit to a fast, you understand and acknowledge that you can’t do it on your own. You realize how completely dependent you are upon the Lord’s strength and learn to lean on Him for the perseverance you need to finish strong.

• Fasting changes you.

When you spend time in the Lord’s presence, you’re changed. You’ll be transformed as you meditate on the truth of God’s Word and apply His promises to your life.

Fasting is for anyone who is hungry for the Lord. As you empty yourself — physically and spiritually — you open the door for God to step in and do the miraculous in your life.

Don’t let fear, ignorance or a rebellious spirit keep you from seeking God through prayer and fasting. Accept the Lord’s invitation to draw near to Him today. 

• Read testimonies from people who have participated in the January 2015 Online Daniel Fast.

(This post is an adaptation from my original article, “Why Christians Are Slow to Fast,” that appeared in Pentecostal Evangel on April 8, 2012.

*Note: A popular Christian practice in our culture is to declare a media fast (abstaining from Facebook, computer games, television, etc.). Although these forms of self-denial certainly have benefits, they’re not fasts according to the examples found in Scripture. With every instance of fasting in the Bible, people either went without food or a combination of water and food. Therefore, to fast means to reduce food intake as you spend time seeking the Lord in prayer.