Faith for Fasting: Designed to Use Hunger for Fellowship – Part 2

Fasting, when used correctly, is a spiritual superpower. When coupled with faith, fasting becomes a steadfast force that accomplishes what it is purposed for. Fasting positions us for fellowship and helps highlight our true desires. Denying ourselves whatever cravings we have forces us to be intentional about what we truly long for.

Our theme passages anchor this truth.

In Isaiah 58:6 (NKJV), the Lord says:

“Is this not the fast that I have chosen: To loose the bonds of wickedness, To undo the heavy burdens, To let the oppressed go free, And that you break every yoke?”

Fasting is not just about abstaining from food—it is about participating in God’s heart. It is about breakthrough. It is about freedom. It is about light invading dark, dominant environments. Isaiah 58 shows us that when fasting is done God’s way, it releases power that transforms both the one fasting and the world around them.

In Matthew 9:14–17, when John’s disciples asked Jesus why His disciples were not fasting, Jesus responded that the friends of the bridegroom cannot mourn while the bridegroom is with them. But the days would come when the bridegroom would be taken away, and then they would fast. He then spoke about new cloth on an old garment and new wine in old wineskins.

Jesus reveals something powerful here: fasting is connected to longing and transition. It reflects a hunger for the presence of the Bridegroom. It also requires renewal. New wine cannot be poured into old wineskins. In other words, fasting prepares us for what God wants to pour into us. It stretches us. It renews us. It makes room for the new.

James 5:16 says, “The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” When fasting is joined with faith-filled prayer, it intensifies our dependence on God and aligns us with His will. It demonstrates trust in His faithfulness.

Throughout Scripture, we see fasting connected to purpose. Esther called for a fast when Mordecai and the Jewish people faced extermination. She needed favor with the king, and the nation needed deliverance. That fast positioned them for divine intervention.

However, as Isaiah 58 teaches, fasting can be done for the wrong reasons. In Zechariah 7, the people of Bethel sent word to the prophet Zechariah to inquire whether they should continue fasting annually in remembrance of the temple’s destruction. But God exposed their motives. Through the prophet, He reminded them in verses 8–10 not to oppress the poor, the widow, the foreigner, or the orphan. He told them to show mercy, kindness, and to judge fairly.

In other words, fasting without obedience is empty. Hunger without holiness is powerless. Sacrifice without surrender is noise.

True fasting:

• Looses bonds of wickedness (Isaiah 58:6)

• Aligns our hearts with God’s justice

• Expresses longing for the Bridegroom (Matthew 9:14–17)

• Prepares us for new wine

• Breaks yokes and brings freedom

• Exposes our motives

• Strengthens our faith

  
  

We were designed to use hunger for fellowship. Physical hunger becomes a reminder of spiritual dependence. Each craving becomes a call to communion. Each denial becomes a declaration: “God, You are my portion.”

Fasting is not about starving the body. It is about strengthening the spirit. It is about replacing appetite with access. It is about turning desire into devotion.

When faith fuels our fast and obedience shapes it, we don’t just skip meals—we stretch for new wine.

And that is power.