As we draw closer to God, He draws closer to us. We spend too much energy trying to figure everything out on our own. We want God to fix this, or change that, but we don’t give Him room to actually work. When you seek God and follow Him, you make space for Him to move. When you fast and pray, you’re giving God room to do what only He can do.
Most people think fasting is about them, but it is really about getting closer to God.
Have you ever fasted because you wanted a job, or a home, or a child? Did you stop and ask God if that was His plan for you? What did He say? God isn’t confusing. He’s clear and understanding. But we often get in our own way—usually because of our own intentions.
Yes, God knows what you want. However, what brings real joy is doing what He wants.
Here are 3 main reasons to fast.
1. Getting Closer to God – Hearing Him Better
God is Spirit. When you fast to get closer to Him, you’re feeding your spirit. Fasting helps quiet your flesh—your regular wants and cravings—and makes it easier to hear God. It helps when you’re confused, things are hard, and trying to understand what God wants for your life.
Isaiah 58:6–7
God shows us how to start a fast. He says stop mistreating people, help others, stop doing wrong to them, and show love. This gets your heart in the right place before you fast.
This leads to the second reason.
2. Direction – When You Don’t Know What to Do or Where to Go
Not knowing what to do next is normal. When life suddenly changes, it’s easy to make quick decisions just to feel comfortable again. But what happens when you want to do things God’s way? How do you make those decisions?
Esther 4:16
Queen Esther ran into a scary situation. The plan changed, the pressure increased, and people’s lives depended on her. Instead of rushing, she called a three-day fast so she could hear from God. Because she waited on Him, God showed her what to do and saved her people.
Acts 13:2–3
Barnabas and Saul fasted with the church in Antioch. After they fasted, the Holy Spirit told them exactly where to go—to Cyprus. They didn’t just wake up and decide to preach anywhere. They fasted, listened, and obeyed.
Their obedience led to people being saved—including a sorcerer who needed deliverance.
Which brings us to the third reason.
3. Deliverance – Clearing Out What Doesn’t Belong So God Can Fill You
When we focus on pleasing ourselves or others instead of God, we pick up things we don’t even notice. It can come from what we watch, listen to, or who we spend time with. These things don’t always show themselves, but believers still need deliverance. We need to clean out anything that doesn’t line up with God, so there’s room for His wisdom and understanding.
Matthew 17:21
In Matthew 17:21, the disciples tried to help a boy who had an unclean spirit causing him seizures. But—they couldn’t deliver him. They prayed, they were close to Jesus, but they still couldn’t do it. Why? They didn’t have enough faith for the level of deliverance needed. Deliverance requires strong faith in the Holy Spirit, who has full power over demons. Jesus was able to do it because He understood the power God gave Him.
Our faith shows up through fasting and prayer. This is how we show God we fully depend on Him.
There are deliverance ministries, but you can also be delivered personally. When you believe, have strong faith, fast, and pray, you can break any agreements with unclean spirits. Sometimes they came into your life before you knew Jesus or truly started obeying His commands.
Fasting shows:
- You depend on God.
- You’re willing to sacrifice for deliverance.
- You’re serious before God, which moves Him to answer.
Did you know God answers our prayers more when we fast and pray? There are many more benefits to fasting.
What are some you’ve experienced or heard?
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