Fasting for Breakthrough: When Fasting, Avoid This

by Marilynn Chadwick

"Give me some tips on how you fast,” a friend asked as she prepared herself for her first fast. Her question got me thinking. What have I learned that's made fasting a valuable part of my prayer life? I shared some of those tips with you yesterday. But I should point out that fasting does not make us super saints. In fact, Jesus cautions all disciples in his Matthew 6 tutorial on prayer against being prideful when we fast. Or when we pray. Or when we give, or serve, or do anything in his name.

When you fast, Jesus warns, don't parade around your spirituality for others to see. Dress nicely, wear your makeup, go about business as usual. Then your father in heaven, "who sees what is done in secret" will reward you (see Matthew 6:16-18).

Some very religious people were proud of their fasting. Jesus responded with this parable: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evil doers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted” (Luke 9-14 NIV).

Instead of making us proud, fasting should gently squeeze us into a posture of humility. We may find a heightened awareness of our own sin bubbling to the surface when we fast. This humbles us. So, confession and repentance naturally become part of our fast. In this way, fasting is like spring cleaning for our soul.

Ponder the words about fasting from Jesus. Use this season of fasting and prayer to humble yourself. It's a good time for personal reflection and confession. And remember, God is pleased just because you are setting your mind to seek him (Daniel 10).

Never forget how much God loves you. You’re not fasting to earn his favor. Rather, go boldly to that throne of grace and ask the Lord's help in areas you may feel stuck.

The Bible teaches that fasting and prayer can help us break through stubborn problems. Fasting helps us cast those troubles into God's strong hands. "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he will lift you up” (James 4:10). Repent and receive his forgiveness and power. And remember, throughout church history, periods of repentance often lead to greater revelation, and ultimately to revival.