Fasting for Clarity: A Two-Part Journey into the Spiritual and Physical Benefits of Fasting

 

Fasting for Clarity: A Two-Part Journey into the Spiritual and Physical Benefits of Fasting

Part 1: The Spiritual Importance of Fasting

Recently, during a session with a client, she told me she was considering fasting as a way to jumpstart her health journey. She wanted to get in shape and thought fasting might help, but confessed that after her fast ended, she overate and felt like she had undone any progress. She said, “I thought I was doing something good, but I just felt defeated afterward.” Her experience opened the door to a deeper conversation not just about food, but about how we approach fasting—and what fasting is really for.

What she didn’t expect was that our conversation would shift from metabolism to meaning.

Let me share a bit of my story. I was a pastor for over 20 years. In all that time, I never fasted. Not once. I even taught on fasting a few times, but truthfully, I was afraid to do it myself. I told myself it was because I didn’t want to get sick. But deep down, I didn’t want to confront how much control food had over me. Then in 2021, I was faced with a major decision—the kind that could change the trajectory of my life. I turned to my coach, who gave me a challenge: commit this decision to prayer and fasting.

So I did. I took 36 hours to refrain from eating. Every time my stomach growled, I turned to God in prayer. And through that process, God revealed something painful and powerful: food was my god. I worshipped it. Not with singing and clapping, but with dependence, comfort-seeking, and control. That realization has been transformational. Fasting is no longer about skipping meals—it’s a sacred act of surrender.

Why Should We Fast Spiritually?

Fasting is a spiritual discipline with ancient roots. In the Bible, fasting is consistently tied to a heart posture of seeking God. It is not about manipulating Him to get what we want. It’s about humbling ourselves to hear from Him. Jesus Himself said, “When you fast…” (Matthew 6:16-18), not “If you fast.” It was assumed that fasting would be a regular part of a disciple’s life.

John Calvin wrote, “Let us say something about fasting, because many for want of knowing its usefulness undervalue its necessity.” For Calvin and other Reformers, fasting was a way to practice repentance, self-control, and spiritual focus. Fasting is about making space—turning down the noise of the flesh to tune into the voice of the Spirit.

Throughout Scripture, we see fasting linked to pivotal moments:

  • Moses fasted before receiving the Ten Commandments (Exodus 34:28).
  • Esther called her people to fast before she approached the king (Esther 4:16).
  • David fasted in grief and repentance (2 Samuel 12:16).
  • Jesus fasted for 40 days before beginning His public ministry (Matthew 4:2).

Fasting is an act of worship and intimacy. It’s a spiritual amplifier.

What Fasting is NOT

It is not a hunger strike. It is not a diet. It is not a way to force God’s hand.

Richard Foster writes in Celebration of Discipline, “Fasting must forever center on God. It must be God-initiated and God-ordained. Like the prophetess Anna, who “worshiped night and day, fasting and praying” (Luke 2:37), we too can develop a hunger for God that surpasses even our hunger for food.

Modern Examples

In a culture obsessed with food shows, fast food, and convenience, fasting feels radical. That’s why it still matters. Culturally, we are taught to satisfy every craving immediately. Fasting pushes back against that narrative and reminds us we are more than our desires.

One of my clients fasted every Wednesday for six weeks while praying for clarity in her marriage. She didn’t hear a voice from heaven, but she did begin to hear her own heart more clearly. Fasting quieted the chaos long enough to hear what God had already been saying.

A Few Guidelines Before You Fast

  • Check with your medical advisor. I’m a coach, not a physician or nutritionist.
  • Start slow. Maybe skip one meal and replace it with intentional prayer.
  • Fast with a purpose. Don’t just skip food—seek God.
  • Journal what you hear from God during your fast.

Final Thoughts

Terry Porter is an Executive Life Coach. Working with clients to clarify and pursue their life dreams.

Fasting isn’t about being “extra spiritual.” It’s about aligning your will with God’s. It’s about trusting Him as your Provider, your Guide, and your Sustainer. When we fast, we strip away comfort to make room for clarity.

Tomorrow, I’ll be sharing Part 2: The Physical Benefits of Fasting. You won’t want to miss it. Spoiler alert: your body was designed with rhythms that fasting activates beautifully.

Until then, if you’re seeking more clarity in your life, your purpose, or your relationships, let’s talk. I offer Life Coaching sessions that integrate spiritual principles with practical guidance. Click here to schedule a consultation.

Are you facing a big decision? Are you spiritually stuck? Consider fasting. And if you’d like someone to walk with you through that process, I’m here.

Stay tuned for Part 2 tomorrow!

 

Terry Porter