Fasting is a deeply rooted spiritual discipline in Christianity. While it often involves abstaining from food, fasting goes beyond physical deprivation. It is a holistic experience that engages body, mind, and spirit in a focused pursuit of divine intimacy. This article explores the biblical foundation of fasting, its purpose in Christian life, and how it can be a powerful tool in breaking spiritual strongholds, drawing from Mark 9:28.

The Biblical Foundation of Fasting

Fasting is mentioned throughout the Bible as a way to humble oneself, seek God’s guidance, and repent. Some key examples include:

• Moses fasted for 40 days when receiving the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai (Exodus 34:28).
• David fasted in repentance after his sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12:16).
• Daniel fasted for understanding and revelation from God (Daniel 9:3, 10:2-3).
• Jesus fasted for 40 days in the wilderness before beginning His ministry (Matthew 4:1-2).

In these instances, fasting is connected with seeking God’s will, preparing for a spiritual task, or experiencing divine intervention. Fasting is more than abstaining from food; it is a way to shift focus from physical needs to spiritual growth and dependence on God.

The Purpose of Christian Fasting

Fasting in Christianity serves multiple spiritual purposes. It’s not about earning God’s favor but about deepening the believer’s relationship with Him. Here are several spiritual reasons for fasting:

1. Drawing Closer to God: Fasting allows believers to set aside distractions and focus more deeply on their relationship with God. It’s a way of placing spiritual needs above physical ones, prioritizing time spent in prayer and reflection on God’s Word.
2. Seeking God’s Guidance: Throughout the Bible, people fasted when they needed divine guidance. Whether facing a difficult decision or a crisis, fasting opens the heart to hear God’s voice more clearly (Acts 13:2-3).
3. Repentance and Humility: Fasting can be a powerful way to express repentance and humility before God. In Psalm 35:13, David describes humbling himself through fasting. It helps believers recognize their dependence on God’s mercy and grace.
4. Interceding for Others: Fasting is often used in times of prayer for others or during communal crises. Esther called for a fast when her people were in danger, and God responded with deliverance (Esther 4:16).
5. Breaking Spiritual Strongholds: One of the most powerful aspects of fasting is its ability to break spiritual strongholds. In Mark 9:28-29, after the disciples were unable to cast out a demon, they asked Jesus why. He responded, “This kind can come out only by prayer and fasting” (Mark 9:29, NIV). This highlights that some spiritual battles require deeper engagement, and fasting, combined with prayer, can bring breakthrough where ordinary efforts fail.

The Power of Fasting in Breaking Strongholds

Spiritual strongholds—persistent sins, addictions, or areas of bondage—can often feel insurmountable. However, Jesus’ teaching in Mark 9:28-29 emphasizes that certain challenges require both prayer and fasting to be overcome. When the disciples struggled to cast out a demon, Jesus revealed that deeper spiritual effort was needed.

Fasting can weaken the influence of the flesh, allowing believers to rely on the strength of the Holy Spirit. It heightens spiritual sensitivity and reinforces the need for dependence on God. When combined with prayer, fasting becomes a powerful spiritual weapon to:

• Break habitual sins.
• Overcome addiction.
• Defeat negative thoughts or patterns.
• Release God’s power in areas where believers have been stuck or bound.

Fasting does not force God to act, but it places believers in a position of humility and readiness to receive His power. It aligns the heart and mind with God’s will and creates space for Him to work mightily in areas where we face spiritual resistance.

How to Fast as a Christian

Christian fasting can take many forms, and it is essential to approach it with a heart of humility and prayer. Here are some guidelines:

1. Start Small: If you’re new to fasting, begin with something manageable, such as skipping a meal or fasting for part of the day. As you grow spiritually, you can increase the length or intensity of your fast.
2. Pair Fasting with Prayer: Fasting without prayer is just abstaining from food. True Christian fasting involves dedicating time to prayer, Scripture reading, and meditation on God’s Word.
3. Stay Hydrated: While some fasts involve abstaining from food and water (like Esther’s fast), many believers drink water or other fluids, especially during longer fasts. Listen to your body and prioritize your health.
4. Check Your Motives: Fasting should be done with the right intentions. Jesus warned against fasting to appear righteous before others (Matthew 6:16-18). The goal is to honor God and grow in faith, not to earn the admiration of others.
5. Seek God’s Guidance: Before beginning a fast, ask God for guidance. Let Him lead you in the purpose and length of your fast, and rely on Him for strength throughout.
6. When you beak your fast and it has been one more than 24 hours, do not eat super heavy. The longer you fast the lighter you need to work yourself back on food. It can make you sick or worse if you take in hard foods after an extended fast. Start with something lite like chicken broth and crackers, then work your self up from there.

Fasting in Modern Christian Practice

Whether observed individually or communally, fasting remains a powerful tool for spiritual growth. Many Christians fast during Lent to reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice, while others fast regularly to seek God’s direction or to break strongholds in their lives.

In today’s world, filled with distractions and constant noise, fasting offers a way to quiet the soul and refocus on God. As Jesus said, “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). Fasting is a reminder that our ultimate nourishment comes from God.

Christian fasting is a transformative spiritual discipline that deepens believers’ relationship with God and brings breakthrough in difficult spiritual battles. Whether fasting for guidance, repentance, or deliverance, it is an act of faith that opens the heart to God’s power.

Mark 9:28-29 serves as a powerful reminder that some spiritual strongholds can only be broken through prayer and fasting. When believers seek God with humility, combining fasting with prayer, they position themselves to experience His strength and victory. As you consider fasting, remember that it’s about drawing near to God, trusting Him to provide both spiritually and physically, and allowing His power to work in areas where human effort falls short.