Fasting

Fasting isn’t about controlling an outcome — it’s about surrender.

🌿 When You Give Something to God… Don’t Take It Back

Have you ever tried to fast?

Not fasting for weight loss.
Not fasting for bloodwork.
But fasting… for God?

It’s hard.

The first time I truly fasted for God, I was surprised by how difficult it was.

Honestly… I was even a little prideful going into it.

I had fasted many times before.
I had even lived for about a year practicing intermittent fasting to control what I ate.

So I thought…

I’ve got this.

But fasting for God is different.

Because fasting for God isn’t about controlling an outcome.

It’s about surrender.

It’s about saying:

“Lord, I will deny myself to honor You.”

And the moment you do…

Something happens.

The moment you stop trying to control the outcome…
The moment you give something to God…
The moment you release yourself to Him…

The enemy steps in.

Suddenly, your hunger pains feel sharper.
Your favorite foods seem to appear everywhere.
You get invited to breakfast… or lunch… or dinner.

And then the thoughts come.

"God understands."
"He knows your heart."
"It's okay if you stop."

But here’s what I learned…

If you give something to God… don’t take it back.

Because fasting is about commitment.

It’s about sacrifice.
It’s about choosing God over comfort.

And the Bible shows us this over and over again.

In the Old Testament and the New Testament…

Fasting was a way people sought God.
A way they humbled themselves.
A way they prepared their hearts.

Jesus Himself fasted.

“After fasting forty days and forty nights, He was hungry.”
— Matthew 4:2

Even Jesus experienced hunger.
Even Jesus faced temptation.
And yet… He remained committed.

✨ Why Fasting Matters

During Lent, many of us are encouraged to fast from something.

To deny ourselves comfort.
To remember that life isn't found in what this world offers…
But in Jesus.

Fasting reminds us that we don’t need everything we think we do.

It reminds us that God is enough.

It draws us closer to Him in a way that comfort never could.

And something else happens when you fast…

You become more aware.

More aware of your thoughts.
More aware of your dependence.
More aware of your need for God.

Fasting shifts your focus.

It changes your heart.

And it draws you closer to the One you’re seeking.

💭 A Gentle Invitation

If you’ve never tried fasting for God… I highly encourage you to do so.

It’s not easy.

But it is powerful.

And sometimes, the very thing we deny ourselves…

Becomes the thing that draws us closest to Him.

So the next time you find yourself:

Needing to make a decision
Looking for clarity
Desiring to grow closer to God

Consider fasting.

Give something to God.

And when you do…

Don’t take it back.

💭 Thought for Today

Fasting isn’t about what you give up — it’s about drawing closer to God.

🙏 Prayer

Lord, help me deny myself and seek You above all else. Strengthen my heart, deepen my faith, and draw me closer to You through surrender. Amen.

👣 Practical Step

Choose one small thing to fast from today — and replace that time with prayer.

💌 Share With Someone

Know someone seeking clarity or direction? Share this message and encourage them to draw closer to God through fasting.