Rediscovering Biblical Fasting and the Power of Consecration.

I would like to start this as if we were sitting across from each other.

Fasting is one of those topics that can feel intimidating, confusing, or even distant, especially if you’ve tried it before and felt like nothing happened. I’ve been there, and I want you to know from the start: this is not coming from a place of theory or perfection. It comes from walking it out, struggling through it, and learning along the way.

Somewhere along the way, fasting became something we reinvented. We call it fasting from social media, television, sugar, or distractions and while those things can be helpful, they are not what Scripture defines as a biblical fast. They are supports, not substitutes. Biblical fasting, at its core, is about turning down the plate. It is about sacrifice. It is about positioning ourselves before God in humility and dependence.

And yes, it is uncomfortable on purpose.

What the Bible Actually Says About Fasting

Isaiah 58 is one of the most clear passages in Scripture about fasting. God speaks to his people who were fasting regularly, yet felt unseen and unheard. Their question was real:

• “Why have we fasted, and you have not seen it?” (Isaiah 58:3, NIV)
  

God’s response reveals something important. Their fast looked right outwardly, but their hearts and lifestyles had not changed. They were still walking in strife, selfishness, and injustice, while expecting spiritual results. Then God explains the fast He honors—a fast that loosens chains, frees the oppressed, feeds the hungry, and aligns the heart with His ways (Isaiah 58:6–7). This is where fasting becomes more than abstaining from food. It becomes about what God is removing and realigning within us.

The Hebrew word for fast, “tsom”, means to abstain from food. Scripture is clear on this. Turning down the plate is central. Other sacrifices such as limiting social media, idle conversation, or distractions, are meant to support the fast, not replace it. Jesus Himself said,

• “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4 NIV)
  

When we fast, we are choosing to feed our spirit over our flesh.

Why Fasting Is a True Sacrifice

Turning down the plate is uncomfortable by design. Food sustains us, comforts us, and often distracts us. When we fast, we confront our dependencies. Hunger exposes impatience, irritation, fear, and misplaced comforts. But this is where transformation begins.

Throughout Scripture, fasting often precedes major spiritual moments. Moses fasted before receiving the Law. Esther fasted before deliverance came. Jesus fasted forty days before beginning His ministry. Fasting sets the stage for what we are believing in God for and deepens intimacy with Him. It gives us the spiritual strength and clarity needed for heaven’s will to manifest on earth.

What Happens When We Truly Consecrate Ourselves

Consecration is the heart behind biblical fasting. It is the posture that says, “God, everything belongs to You now.”

When we consecrate ourselves, our choices, appetites, habits, and conversations come under God’s authority. This is why consecration often feels uncomfortable. It disrupts routines and exposes habits we’ve grown comfortable with. It shines light on things the Holy Spirit has been patiently waiting to address. Consecration doesn’t make life easier, it brings God’s will on earth as it is in heaven. And when that alignment happens, clarity follows. Discipline follows. Maturity follows. Most importantly, God’s promises begin to manifest.

Jesus Himself made it clear that some breakthroughs only come through prayer and fasting (Matthew 17:21). There are things God desires to do in us and through us that cannot be accessed without surrender.

What Fasting Produces When Done God’s Way

Scripture shows us that fasting is often connected to tangible outcomes:

• Healing (Isaiah 58:8)

• Direction (Acts 13:2–3)

• Deliverance (Esther 4)

• Provision (Matthew 6:33)

Storytime:

I’ve fasted many times as a believer. And I’ll be honest, it hasn’t always been easy. Sometimes it still isn’t, but this is my personal belief: if a fast feels too easy, then something meaningful probably wasn’t sacrificed.

A while back, I had a bill with a very high price tag and as Christians, we are called to steward our responsibilities well—pay your debts (Romans 13:8). God is a God of order. Even though I couldn’t cover the full amount at the time, I was making consistent payments and doing my part.

But spiritually, I was all over the place.

I was dealing with unforgiveness, anger, rage, intrusive thoughts and yes, I was a believer, but my flesh was LOUD. I would take long showers and just cryyyyyy. I needed stillness. I needed God to quiet everything that was fighting for my attention.

That’s when I embarked on The Year of the Bride Fast by Tiphani Montgomery.

If you’ve been following Hearts Renewed, let me refer you to the article I wrote in April 2025 titled “My Heart and Forgiveness: Lessons from the Life of Joseph.” you can read it HERE. In the section “A Prayer That Changed Everything,” I shared a glimpse of what the fast is about.

During that season, Matthew 6:33 became very real to me: “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” and I had to pause and ask myself, what are “all these things”? Health, Joy. Freedom. Forgiveness after forgiving. Peace. Provision. Prosperity in every area of life. That scripture taught me something important: we don’t fast for the things, we fast for God’s will and intimacy with Him and as a result, those things begin to manifest. I also want to make it clear, you don’t have to feel anything when fasting. Feelings come and go. Commitment is what carries you through. You finish strong because obedience matters, not because emotions cooperate.

Now let's back up for a moment, because this part is important.

Just before the fast began, about a week before I celebrated my birthday. And honestly, with everything I was carrying, I didn’t want to celebrate. However, earlier that year, my friend Briana did something that deeply impacted me. Instead of a birthday celebration, she gathered her friends and volunteered at a shelter. That was her birthday gift, to give instead of collecting gifts. I couldn’t attend that morning because I had my son and no sitter at 6 a.m., but what she did stayed with me. She set the tone for what true sacrifice looks like. She could have done anything that day, but she gave her time and invited others to give with her.

So for my birthday, I decided to do something similar.

I prepared food packages, while she prepared care packages, and together we fed the homeless the day before my birthday, and let me tell you, it was deeply fulfilling even when joy felt distant.

Now fast forward.

Day 22 of 25 on the fast.

I felt defeated. Everything looked the same. Nothing felt different. I cried out to God and asked, “Is this fast even effective?” But then I remembered, it wasn’t about how I felt. It was about finishing strong. So I did what I had been doing every day: I prayed. I read the Word. I worshipped. I confessed. I forgave again. Then I went about my day.

That day happened to be bills day. I went to make my usual payment on the aforementioned bill, but couldn’t log into my account. I contacted customer service to inquire about the denied access, only to discover that an anonymous donor had taken care of the entire balance.

I owed nothing.

Y’ALLLLLL.

I broke down. I cried. I couldn’t even process it. Like GOD DEFINITELY DID!

A few days later , Briana was sharing the favor unfolding in her own life. And I reminded her of the sacrifice we made together. Giving. Serving. Obedience. This story is not to say fasting is a transaction. It is to highlight a biblical principle: when fasting is paired with humility, obedience, and generosity—God responds. In this case it was a fast after the sacrifice and the fruits it produced. Isaiah 58 stopped being words on a page and became something I was living.

Fasting does not manipulate God, it positions us to receive what He already released from the very foundation of the earth. There is also a powerful principle of giving during a fast. Isaiah 58 ties fasting to generosity, feeding the hungry, caring for others, loosening burdens. True fasting turns our focus outward, not inward.

Feeding Your Spirit While the Flesh Is Denied When we fast, our spirit becomes more sensitive. That sensitivity is powerful, but it also means we become more vulnerable. The same way fasting can break demonic strongholds and ungodly covenants, it can also open doors if we are careless with what we engage.

This is something we don’t talk about enough.

During a fast, everything matters. What we watch, what we listen to, what we speak, and even what we allow our minds to sit on. It’s not enough to say, “I prayed today,” and then spend the rest of the day feeding our flesh. Fasting weakens the flesh on purpose, which means whatever we feed our spirit during that time will have greater influence.

Sometimes we think we’re praying all day, but prayer is only one part of it.

Building your spirit during a fast looks like intentionally feeding it. Reading the Word. Worshipping. Sitting with scripture instead of rushing through it. Listening to sermons that align with God’s truth. Creating space for silence. Meditating, not emptying your mind, allowing the Word of God to settle deeply into your heart.

This is also where stillness becomes important.

One of the most practical and beautiful examples of this came from my friend Karla. She once gifted me a Christian coloring book. It was so thoughtful of her and I thought it was a simple way to decompress before bed. But during a fast I was surprised by how much God spoke to me while sitting quietly, coloring Scripture, and meditating on His Word. No noise. No rush. Just stillness.

And in that stillness, the Holy Spirit speaks.

Fasting isn’t about filling every moment with activity. It’s about making room. Silence creates space for God to bring revelation, correction, comfort, and clarity. When everything else is turned down, His voice becomes clearer. That’s why guarding your spirit during a fast matters so much. What you consume spiritually during that time will either strengthen you or pull you backward. Fasting is sacred ground. It’s not just about abstaining, it’s about intentional feeding. When your spirit is built up, your discernment sharpens. You become more aware of what aligns with God and what doesn’t. And that awareness is one of the greatest gifts fasting produces.

Things to Consider While Fasting

There are a few things I’ve learned along the way that are important to understand before, during, and even after a fast.

First—and this is foundational—your fast must always be God-led. Fasting is not something we do simply because others are doing it, or because it’s a certain time of year, or because it sounds spiritual. If we begin a fast because of pressure, comparison, or tradition, we are already starting from the wrong place. Fasting is deeply spiritual. It requires grace to carry it out. We cannot do something this sacred in our own strength. That’s why consultation with the Lord matters. Ask Him if you should fast, how you should fast, and what He is calling you to during that time. Scripture reminds us to acknowledge Him in all our ways (Proverbs 3:6), and fasting is no exception.

Another thing to understand is that fasting is sacred and intimate. It’s not meant to be announced, advertised, or worn as a badge of honor. Jesus Himself warned us about this:

• “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do… Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.” (Matthew 6:16–18)
  

When we announce our fast, the attention becomes the reward. But fasting is meant to be done before God, who sees what is done in secret. There is something powerful about keeping your fast between you and the Lord. It protects the intimacy of the moment and keeps your heart in the right posture.

Something else that often surprises people is this: things usually get worse before they get better. And that’s not failure, it’s often a sign that the fast is working. When the flesh is weakened and the spirit is being strengthened, resistance shows up. Discomfort intensifies. Emotions surface. Temptations feel louder and the devil retaliates, but that retaliation is often evidence that something is being confronted and dismantled.

This is also where discernment is needed so that fasting itself does not become an idol.

Fasting is powerful, but fasting is not the answer Jesus Christ is. Fasting does not replace relationship with Him; it deepens it. If we become more dependent on the process than the Person, we’ve missed the point. This doesn’t contradict the power of fasting, it puts it in its proper place. Fasting is a tool. Jesus is the source.

This brings me to something that needs to be said clearly.

Many people fail to understand the spiritual implications and severity of fasting. Fasting is not a neutral spiritual principle. It is designed for those who are in covenant with God through Jesus Christ. Scripture tells us:

• “The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord.” (Proverbs 15:8)
  

This verse is not about God being cruel. It’s about order. David Guzik explains that the “wicked” here refers to those who refuse repentance, reject God’s authority, and yet still want to engage in spiritual acts for personal gain. In other words, someone who does not want a relationship with God, but wants to use spiritual principles to get results.

Fasting is a sacrifice, and sacrifice without covenant does not produce blessing, it produces chaos. Imagine someone who is not saved, living however they choose, refusing repentance, yet turning down their plate to force a spiritual outcome. They want God’s intervention, but not God’s authority. They want His hand, but not His heart. Scripture makes it clear, this posture is not only ineffective, it can make matters worse.

This explains why fasting “doesn’t work” for some people. It’s not because fasting is flawed, it’s because fasting was never meant to function outside of relationship with God.

Fasting is not a shortcut. It is an invitation into deeper obedience, humility, and intimacy with the Lord. When fasting is done God’s way, led by Him, guarded in secrecy, rooted in relationship, and centered on Christ, it produces fruit that lasts. As you can see from my storytime the fruit of provision was manifested.

An Invitation

If you’ve made it this far, I want to thank you for sitting with this, not rushing through it, not skimming, but allowing the Holy Spirit room to speak. Fasting is not about striving or proving anything to God. It is about drawing near. It is about alignment. It is about returning to a posture of dependence and surrender.

Maybe you’re feeling a nudge to fast for the first time. Maybe you’ve fasted before and felt discouraged. Or maybe God is simply inviting you to examine your heart and ask, “Is there more you're calling me into?”

You don’t have to start big. You don’t have to get it perfect. You simply have to be willing.

Ask the Lord what consecration looks like for you in this season. Ask Him what needs to be laid down, what needs to be realigned, and what He desires to produce in you, not just through fasting, but through deeper intimacy with Him.

This is not about a formula. This is about relationship.

And when we draw near to Him, scripture promises that He will draw near to us.

Where to Begin

If fasting feels new or overwhelming, start small and stay obedient.

Begin by asking the Lord if He is calling you to fast and how He wants you to do it. Let Him lead the length, the type, and the focus. Remember, fasting is not about endurance—it’s about alignment.

You might start with:

• One meal

• Two meals

• A few hours

• or a single day
  

As you fast, intentionally feed your spirit. Spend time in the Word. Worship. Sit in silence. Journal what God reveals. Remove distractions that compete for your attention, not as punishment, but as protection.

One of my favorite teachers on this subject is Kevin L.A. Ewing. His teachings on fasting have greatly aided my understanding over the years and continue to sharpen my perspective to this day. If you’re looking for sound, Scripture-rooted teaching on fasting, I highly recommend his series on YouTube. Watch HERE.

Most importantly, keep your heart open. Fasting is not about perfection, it’s about heart  posture. God honors willingness, obedience, and sincerity.

Start where you are. God will meet you there.

Prayer

Lord, I come before You with humility and an open heart, for Your Word says that you give grace to the humble  according to James 4:6. Teach me how to seek you Your way, because You promise that when I seek You with all my heart, I will find You Jeremiah 29:13. Not out of pressure, tradition, or comparison, but out of love and full surrender to You according to your word in Romans 12:1.

Show me what needs to be laid down and what must be removed. Psalm 139:23–24 says search my heart, O God, and know me. Align my heart with Yours and order my steps according to Your Word Psalm 119:133. Strengthen my spirit as I choose obedience over comfort, knowing that You desire obedience rather than sacrifice alone 1 Samuel 15:22.

Guard me from pride, distraction, and self reliance, for apart from You I can do nothing (John 15:5). Let my fasting draw me closer to You and produce fruit that remains, and glorifies You (John 15:8, Isaiah 58:6–11).

Today I choose intimacy over convenience, alignment over control, and obedience over ease. Teach me to walk by the Spirit and not gratify the desires of the flesh (Galatians 5:16).

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

With Love and Prayers, Ketisha If you feel you need more clarity on this topic or have questions, we’d love to hear from you. Feel free to send us an email or leave a comment sharing your experience or testimony.

This blog was prayerfully written using Scripture from the Holy Bible (NIV and KJV), with additional insight drawn from David Guzik’s Bible Commentary via Blue Letter Bible. Study and definition references include Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance. Personal spiritual formation was also shaped by The Year of the Bride by Tiphani Montgomery and biblical teachings on fasting and prayer from Kevin L.A. Ewing.