A Call to Biblical Discipline, Spiritual Hunger, and Gospel Dependence
There are moments in the life of a believer when prayer alone feels insufficient—not because prayer lacks power, but because our hearts are too crowded, our appetites too loud, and our dependence too divided. Scripture shows us that in those moments, God’s people fast.
Fasting is not a modern wellness trend or a religious badge of honor. It is a biblical discipline practiced by men and women who longed for more of God and less of themselves. Jesus assumed His followers would fast. He didn’t say if you fast, but when you fast (Matthew 6:16).
Why Fast?
If prayer connects us to God, fasting helps disconnect us from the world. It quiets the constant noise of comfort, consumption, and control so we can hear the still, small voice of the Lord.
Pastor Chris Hodges says it well:
“Fasting allows us to quiet the appetites of our bodies and the desires of our souls so our spirits can grow stronger and closer to God.”
At its core, fasting is a declaration of dependence. It says, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). When we fast, we are not trying to twist God’s arm—we are aligning our hearts. We are humbling ourselves, refocusing on eternal things, and reminding our flesh that it is not in charge.
Throughout Scripture, fasting accompanies repentance, guidance, breakthrough, and revival. God meets people who seek Him with sincerity and sacrifice.
A Call to Our Church Family
For these reasons, I am encouraging our church family to participate in what I call a complete fast for seven days—abstaining from all solid foods and consuming only liquids, primarily water, with light juices as needed.
This is not a test of toughness; it is an invitation to deeper dependence.
Important note: If you take prescription medication, have underlying health conditions, or are under medical supervision, consult your physician before fasting. Some individuals should not participate in a complete fast without professional oversight.
If a complete fast is not possible for you, there are other meaningful biblical options.
Fasting Options
Selective Fast
This fast removes certain elements from your diet. A common example is the Daniel Fast—eating only vegetables and drinking water. Others may choose to eliminate sugar, dairy, or grains during the seven-day period.
Partial Fast
This involves fasting all day and eating one meal in the evening, or eating one meal per day and using the other mealtimes for prayer and Scripture.
Soul Fast
This fast targets the inner life—abstaining from distractions and comforts such as social media, television, movies, or secular music. It creates space for silence, Scripture, and spiritual attentiveness.
Practical Wisdom for Fasting
Fasting requires preparation and wisdom. The goal is not physical harm but spiritual focus.
Before the Fast
- Don’t rush in. Prepare your body gradually.
- Eat smaller meals leading up to the fast.
- Avoid high-fat and sugary foods.
- Eat raw fruits and vegetables for two days beforehand, if possible.
During the Fast
- Limit physical activity.
- Exercise moderately—walking one to three miles if comfortable.
- Expect mental challenges such as irritability or impatience.
- Expect some physical discomfort, especially around day two: hunger pains, headaches, fatigue, or dizziness—often due to caffeine and sugar withdrawal.
These discomforts are temporary reminders that your body is learning a new order—one in which the spirit leads.
Sample Daily Liquid Schedule
5:00 AM – 8:00 AM
Fresh fruit juices (diluted 50% with water if acidic). Apple, pear, grapefruit, papaya, watermelon, and similar fruits are ideal. Avoid added sugars and additives.
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Fresh vegetable juice (equal parts lettuce, celery, and carrots).
2:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Herbal tea with a drop of honey. Avoid caffeine.
6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Vegetable broth made by boiling potatoes, celery, and carrots—no salt. Drink only the broth.
Tips for Juice Fasting
- Fruit juice helps reduce hunger pains and provides natural energy.
- Best juices include watermelon, apples, grapes, cabbage, beets, carrots, celery, and leafy greens.
- In cold weather, warm vegetable broth can be helpful.
- Dilute acidic juices such as orange or tomato.
- Avoid caffeine, gum, and mints—they stimulate digestion and hunger.
Breaking the Fast: Finish Strong
How you end a fast matters—physically and spiritually.
Do not rush back into solid food. Sudden reintroduction can be harmful and can undo the benefits of the fast.
Recommended Approach
- Break the fast with fruit (watermelon is ideal).
- Continue with juices as you gradually reintroduce food.
Day One: Raw salad
Day Two: Baked or boiled potato (no butter or seasoning)
Day Three: Steamed vegetables
Thereafter: Gradually return to your normal diet
Eat small portions and allow your body to adjust. Let the discipline of the fast carry forward into a disciplined life of prayer, Scripture, and obedience.
A Final Word
Fasting does not make God love you more—but it positions you to experience Him more clearly. It weakens the flesh and strengthens the spirit. It is not about earning favor, but about pursuing intimacy.
May this season of fasting sharpen our hunger for righteousness, deepen our dependence on Christ, and align our hearts with the purposes of God.
“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:8)
Pastor Chris Williams
To learn more about Pastor Chris and his teachings, visit us online at fcfamily.org and be sure to subscribe to receive these weekly encouragements in your inbox.