Prayer & Worship
The Power of Fasting: Spiritual and Physical Benefits for Believers
Jesus said "when ye fast," not "if." Bishop Gary Oliver explains why fasting still matters, its spiritual and physical benefits, and how to begin wisely.
In Matthew 6:16, Jesus said, "Moreover when ye fast…" Notice He did not say if. Jesus assumed His followers would fast, just as He assumed they would pray and give.
Yet fasting is one of the most neglected disciplines in the church today. As we head into the holiday season, a time of feasting, let's talk about why fasting still matters.
What Is Biblical Fasting?
Biblical fasting is choosing to go without food, or certain foods, for a set time in order to seek God. It is not a diet and it is not a way to earn God's favor. It is a way of turning down the volume of the flesh so you can hear the Spirit more clearly.
Scripture shows several kinds of fasts:
- A normal fast: no food, only water (Jesus in the wilderness, Matthew 4:2)
- A partial fast: giving up certain foods (Daniel, Daniel 10:3)
- A corporate fast: a church or nation seeking God together (Joel 2:15; Esther 4:16)
The Spiritual Benefits of Fasting
1. Humility. "I humbled my soul with fasting" (Psalm 35:13). Fasting reminds us we depend on God for everything.
2. Clarity and direction. The church in Antioch received direction for Paul and Barnabas "as they ministered to the Lord, and fasted" (Acts 13:2).
3. Breakthrough. Isaiah 58:6 describes the fast God chooses: "to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free."
4. Deeper intimacy. When you replace a meal with time in the secret place, your hunger becomes a reminder to pray.
The Physical Benefits
In our episode, Dr. Noemi and I talked about how God designed our bodies with wisdom. Many people report that fasting helps them feel more mentally focused and more in control of their appetites and cravings. It can also help us break unhealthy habits and build self-control, which Galatians 5:23 lists as a fruit of the Spirit.
A word of wisdom: fasting is not safe for everyone. If you are pregnant or nursing, have diabetes or another medical condition, take medication, or have a history of disordered eating, please talk with your doctor before fasting, and consider a non-food fast instead, such as social media, television or another habit.
How to Start a Fast
- Set your purpose. Write down what you are seeking God for.
- Choose your fast. Start small: one meal, one day, or a Daniel-style partial fast.
- Plan your prayer time. Use your mealtimes to pray and read Scripture.
- Keep it between you and God. Jesus said to fast "in secret" (Matthew 6:18). You don't need to announce it.
- Break the fast gently. Ease back into eating with light, simple foods.
Hungry for More of God
Fasting is saying to God, "I want You more than I want food." That kind of hunger always gets His attention. This season, before the feasting begins, consider setting aside a day to seek Him in the secret place.
This article is for spiritual encouragement and is not medical advice.
Go deeper at The Secret Place. Listen to the full episode, The Power of Fasting: Unlocking Physical and Spiritual Benefits, where we go deeper into this topic.
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Blessings, Bishop Gary Oliver