In Matthew 6:17–18, Jesus doesn’t say “if you fast” — He says “when,” meaning fasting is an expected rhythm of a life following Him, right alongside prayer and reading the Word. This message unpacked five things fasting produces in us that prayer alone often can’t reach.
Fasting Develops Humility & Surrender (Ezra 8:21–23)
Before leading the Israelites on a dangerous 900-mile journey home carrying a fortune in gold and silver, Ezra didn’t ask the king for an armed escort — he called a fast instead. “We fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer” (Ezra 8:23). Fasting strips away our self-reliance and puts our full weight back on God.
Fasting Deepens Intimacy with God (Exodus 34:28–30)
Moses spent 40 days and nights with the Lord without food or water — and came down with a face so radiant the people were afraid to come near him. When we set the physical aside for God, His character starts rubbing off on us. People notice the difference.
Fasting Discerns God ‘s Will (Daniel 10:1–3, 11–12)
Daniel fasted 21 days for understanding of a vision he didn’t grasp. The answer came on day 24 — but the angel told him his prayer was heard on day one. Fasting doesn’t rush God’s timing, but it does position us to hear Him clearly.
Fasting Draws Favor (Nehemiah 1:3–4, 11; 2:1–7)
Nehemiah fasted and prayed before walking into a room with a king who could have had him killed for looking sad in his presence. Instead, the king granted every request — safe passage, timber, even a military escort he never asked for. Fasting positions us for favor we didn’t have to manufacture ourselves.
Fasting Demonstrates Spiritual Authority (Matthew 17:14–21, NKJV)
When the disciples couldn’t cast out a demon, Jesus told them plainly: “this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” Some strongholds simply don’t move with prayer alone.
A life hungry for God is a life that embraces fasting. Next Sunday, The Ocean Church begins 40 Days of Prayer & Fasting — watch the full message and get ready to join in.
