Ancient Fasting Secrets For Modern Life

Ancient Fasting Secrets for Modern Life

"Intermittent fasting" might be the latest wellness trend taking over Instagram, but as Christians, we've been in on this secret for millennia. Dave Connolly continues our "Becoming Whole" series with a refreshingly practical look at fasting – a spiritual discipline that's both ancient and surprisingly relevant to our modern pursuit of wholeness.

Not Just Another Diet Plan

"Fasting has become quite trendy in certain parts of society," Dave noted. "You can go to a health spa for a weekend, and they will feed you apple and celery cocktails, herbal teas, laxatives, bees pollen, blended soups, and water mixed with squeezed lemons."

But biblical fasting is something altogether different. While today's wellness culture might focus on detox and weight loss, spiritual fasting has a deeper purpose – drawing us closer to God.

As Dave explained, fasting is simply "abstaining from food for a period of time." This can take various forms – going without all food but drinking water, abstaining from both food and water (like Esther did), or giving up specific foods (like Daniel's choice to have only vegetables and water).

The principle remains the same: voluntarily giving up something good to focus on something greater – our relationship with God.

The Purpose Behind the Practice

Perhaps the most important part of Dave's message was clarifying why we fast – and why we shouldn't.

"The main point of fasting," Dave explained, "is to help us or to cause us to focus our attention on God." This happens in several practical ways:

1. Creating space for God – The time normally spent cooking and eating can be redirected to prayer and Scripture

2. Practical generosity – The money or food we don't consume can be given to those in need

3. Physical reminders – Hunger pangs serve as prompts to pray and recall our dependence on God

However, Dave was equally clear about what fasting is not:

"Fasting cannot make us right with God. It's not a religious observance required to get God on our side... Fasting does not obligate God to answer our prayers... Fasting should not be done to impress others."

During Conversation Street, Matt and Dan unpacked this further, discussing how fasting puts us in a posture to hear God more clearly, not twist His arm into giving us what we want.

Finding Freedom in Discipline

One of the most striking aspects of the discussion was how something that seems so restrictive – voluntarily going without food – can actually be liberating.

"We give up something good to focus on something greater," Matt reflected. "Our relationship with God."

This challenges our culture's obsession with instant gratification. As Dan pointed out, "It's a contrast in a world of indulgence." While society tells us we deserve everything we want immediately, fasting teaches us the power of self-denial and delayed gratification.

Matt added, "Fasting puts me in a position where I hear from God... and it puts me in a position to be generous. In those positions, God can break through in me and there might be things that I've been going through that I've been struggling with, that actually for a period of fasting I come out of it like I've won something."

Practical Steps for Starting Your Fasting Journey

If you're new to fasting or feeling intimidated by the concept, here are some practical takeaways from the conversation:

1. Start small – You don't have to jump into a 40-day fast like Jesus! Begin with skipping a single meal or fasting from sunset to sunset

2. Consider a Daniel Fast – If medical conditions prevent you from total fasting, try abstaining from certain foods like Daniel did

3. Beyond food – Fast from social media, television, or other activities that take up significant time

4. Ask God for guidance – Let Him direct both what and how long you should fast

5. Focus on the purpose – Remember, "fasting without making time to pray is just another weight loss program"

The conversation also highlighted the link between Isaiah 58 and true fasting – where God calls His people to "loose the chains of injustice" and "share your food with the hungry." This reminds us that authentic fasting should lead to greater compassion and generosity, not just personal spiritual growth.

Breaking Through to Wholeness

For those struggling with persistent issues – addictions, negative thought patterns, or spiritual roadblocks – fasting can be a powerful breakthrough tool. As Matt shared, fasting helps us "come out in the power of the Holy Spirit, like something has been broken, like I have managed to get through that trial, that temptation."

This connects perfectly with our series theme of becoming whole. Fasting isn't about earning God's favour, but positioning ourselves to receive the wholeness He offers – clearing away distractions and dependencies that keep us from experiencing His fullness in our lives.

As Christians in a culture obsessed with consumption and instant gratification, fasting offers a counter-cultural path to freedom and wholeness. It reminds us that sometimes the way forward isn't through gaining more, but through temporarily letting go.

Ready to explore this ancient practice for yourself? We'd love to hear your fasting experiences!