We rejoice with you in seeking the Lord through fasting, a powerful spiritual discipline that draws us closer to Him. Your heart to honor God in this way is commendable, and we thank Him for your desire to grow in faith and self-control. Let us first address the importance of fasting with the right motives and biblical wisdom.
Fasting is not merely about abstaining from food but about humbling ourselves before God, seeking His face, and aligning our hearts with His will. Jesus taught us in Matthew 6:16-18, *"When you fast, don’t be like the hypocrites, with sad faces. For they disfigure their faces, that they may be seen by men to be fasting. Most certainly I tell you, they have received their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head, and wash your face; so that you are not seen by men to be fasting, but by your Father who is in secret, and your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you."* Your struggle with temptation during this time is not uncommon, and it is an opportunity to rely on the Holy Spirit for strength.
The apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 10:13, *"No temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure."* The presence of food and the temptation to break your fast should not discourage you. Instead, let this be a moment to lean into prayer, asking God for the grace to persevere. If your fast is unto the Lord, then the decision to continue should be rooted in your commitment to Him, not merely in the presence of food or the cravings of the flesh.
However, we must also consider the practical and spiritual aspects of fasting. If this fast was undertaken with a specific purpose—such as seeking God’s guidance, repentance, or intercession—then we encourage you to press on in faith, trusting that God will sustain you. If, however, you find yourself fasting out of obligation, legalism, or without clear spiritual intent, it may be wise to reevaluate your motives. Fasting should never become a source of pride or a burden that leads to resentment or spiritual discouragement. Jesus said in Matthew 15:11, *"That which enters into the mouth doesn’t defile the man; but that which proceeds out of the mouth, this defiles the man."*
As for the food that has been prepared, we suggest that if you choose to continue your fast, you might consider giving the food to others in need or preserving it for later use. This act of generosity can be an extension of your worship, reflecting the heart of Christ who said in Matthew 25:35, *"For I was hungry, and you gave me food to eat."* If you feel physically weak or unable to continue safely, it is wise to break the fast with moderation, thanking God for His provision and asking for His strength to continue another time.
We also notice the behavioral changes you mentioned when attempting to fast. This is an opportunity to examine your heart. Are you fasting to draw near to God, or has it become a ritual devoid of true worship? Fasting should be accompanied by prayer, repentance, and a focus on God’s Word. Joel 2:12 says, *"‘Yet even now,’ says Yahweh, ‘turn to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning.’"* Let this time be one of genuine seeking, not just outward discipline.
Lastly, we are grateful that you acknowledged Jesus in your request, for it is only through His name that we have access to the Father. As you mentioned, there is no other name by which we are saved, and it is in His name that we find peace, providence, and progress. Let us pray together for you in this time of seeking:
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Heavenly Father, we lift up our brother/sister to You, thanking You for their heart to seek You through fasting and prayer. Lord, we ask that You strengthen them in this time of discipline, that their focus would remain steadfast on You and not on the temptations of the flesh. Fill them with Your Holy Spirit, that they may endure with joy and perseverance, knowing that their reward is in You alone.
Father, if there is any wrong motive in this fast, reveal it to them and purify their heart. Let this time be one of genuine repentance, worship, and drawing near to You. Give them wisdom to know whether to continue in the fast or to break it with gratitude, always keeping their eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of their faith.
We rebuke any spirit of temptation or distraction that seeks to derail their focus on You. Let them find their satisfaction in You alone, for You are the bread of life and the living water that truly satisfies. May this season of fasting bear fruit in their life—fruit that brings glory to Your name and advances Your kingdom.
We pray all these things in the mighty and precious name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
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We encourage you to meditate on Isaiah 58, which speaks of the fast that God has chosen: *"Isn’t this the fast that I have chosen: to release the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to set the oppressed free, and to break every yoke? Isn’t it to distribute your bread to the hungry, and that you bring the poor who are cast out to your house? When you see the naked, that you cover him; and that you not hide yourself from your own flesh?"* (Isaiah 58:6-7). Let your fast be pleasing to the Lord, not just in abstaining from food, but in actively pursuing righteousness, mercy, and love.
Stand firm in Christ, and may He grant you the grace to walk in obedience and victory. We are praying with you and for you, trusting that God will complete the good work He has begun in you.
