Why try Fasting for Spiritual Renewal and Guidance?
As I sought God’s guidance through my infertility journey, a Bible study leader suggested I consider Biblical fasting and prayer. Perplexed about my inability to conceive, I wanted the Lord to show me the path to overcome infertility.
I felt a deep urgency to immerse myself in a fast and surrender my infertility circumstances to Him.
Have you considered fasting to have intimate time with God? Fasting maximizes your relationship with Him. Let’s chat about it.
An opportunity to humble yourself before God and seek His help
Biblical fasting is the practice of putting aside what typically consumes your attention to have special time with God.
When you abstain from food, entertainment, or other distractions, the space is open to worship Him exclusively. Your special VIP appointment with Him is blessed with the comfort and safety of His divine presence. He will bathe you with His love, cleanse you of sin, and show you how to proceed.
It’s private, not a public experience
At the time of Jesus, fasting was a common practice of those who worshiped God. Jesus assumed that His followers would fast. He instructed them “When you fast…” do not to put on a show of piety and draw attention to yourselves:
“…so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” Matthew 6:16-18
Referenced 55 times throughout the Bible, fasting is all about intimate communication between you and God. It’s not to impress Him or to fulfill a religious exercise. Nor are you trying to persuade Him to do what you want when you want.
You are preparing your heart to be cleansed by Him, seek His will, and be enabled with His power.
Our spiritual health is exposed
When we fast, we are in a unique position to be convicted by the truth in God’s word. The surrender invites His light to shine upon us and reveal our sin.
"…everything exposed by the light becomes visible and everything that is illuminated becomes a light.” Ephesians 5:13 NIV
Through His Holy Spirit, God shows us how we have rebelled against Him. We become aware of when we have strayed from His precepts and have behaviors that offend Him. Sin separates us from our holy God. It may inhibit answers to our prayers.
Pastor John Piper (Desiring God ministry) shares that in His mercy, God may show a special grace by answering a prayer in spite of some of our sins. While at other times, He may show a disciplinary grace by withholding an answer to prayer.
When we sincerely repent, Jesus Christ forgives our sins. He removes the clutter of rebellion from our hearts and opens the door to refreshment and trust in Him.
Our ability to listen is heightened
As we continue to practice fasting, our minds are sharpened as we plunge into the Scriptures and patiently listen. We receive clarity from His eternal point of view—gaining discernment on His way to proceed versus the way of our culture. Our desires shift toward His truth over everything else.
My fasting blessed and uplifted me
Fasting is a unique experience that is different for each of us. I prayed about how I should fast and for what length of time. After blocking specific days when I could concentrate on Him without interruptions, I took a deep dive into the Scriptures—beginning with praising God and thanking Him for blessing me as I began the day.
I fell on my knees, face down on the floor, and asked Him to expose my sins. Throughout the fast and even afterward, areas where I fell short of godly behavior came to the forefront of my mind. I asked for forgiveness and then shared my hopes and frustrations with God. How did He want me to serve Him?
God fortified me with great resolve to move forward in my infertility journey with confidence in His presence. I knew He would steer my decisions and have His hand on every step I took to find resolution in my journey.
Fasting has become a part of my spiritual life. Through it, I continue to seek an infusion of His love, support, and direction.
You can pray to the God of the Holy Bible to direct you about fasting.
Lord God, I want to immerse myself in the powerful practices of fasting and prayer. I am excited about the prospect of giving You adoration, acknowledging You for many blessings, and finding Your will for my life.
Please guide me in the best way to fast. Reveal what I should put aside that would distract me from spending time with You. Ignite me to use my fasting experience to immerse myself in Your words in the Bible and listen intently for Your mind and wisdom. Sift me, Lord; reveal what I am doing that displeases You in every aspect of my life. (Psalm 139:23-24) Prompt me to ask for forgiveness of my sins. Cleanse my heart.
Prompt me to serve those around me—especially the hungry, the poor, and the oppressed. Show me the way to honor You in all of my decisions. I desire to reach the maximum potential in my communications with You as I fast, draw near to You, and deepen my faith and trust In Your authority over me. I ask all this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen
Moving forward . . .
Ask yourself this: Am I willing to fast, pray, and enter God’s presence for whatever time He directs?
Are you ready for the journey described here by Bill Bright, co-founder of Cru: “Fasting enables the Holy Spirit to reveal your true spiritual condition, resulting in brokenness, repentance, and a transformed life.”
Consider this challenge:
Are you wondering about the specifics of ‘How to Do a Biblical Fast’? Take a look at this Fasting Starter kit offered by Cru ministries.
Keep in mind, when entering the practice of fasting for the first time, you may want to start slow by skipping one meal or one typical activity for a day. If you don’t complete the fast as planned, try again. God loves your heart and the time you have spent with Him.
- Another way to fast is to focus your attention on God by dedicating specific time to serve the hungry, the poor, and the oppressed. Isaiah 58:6-14 provides further insight into this.
- Think about exploring additional resources to give you more insight:
*** “The Powerful Practice of Fasting” by Dr. Charles Stanley on YouTube.
*** God’s Chosen Fast–A Spiritual and Practical Guide to Fasting by Arthur Wallis is an instructive book that outlines his experience and guides you through this incredible opportunity.
You can start to practice fasting now. Join believers worldwide who are fasting and praying in the 40 days preceding the celebration of Easter on Sunday, April 20.
On Easter, we praise the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for our sins, arose to heaven, and lives to intercede for us and forgive us our sins. By embracing Him as the Son of God, He opens the gates of heaven for our eternal life when our life on earth is over.
Please share this post with someone who might benefit.
How can I pray for you? Email me at hello@infertilityprayerresource.com.
Peace be with you,
Kimberly
P.S. You won’t want to miss the following posts that will equip you for your journey:
- What Wisdom Do Infertile Couples in the Bible Offer? Part 2
- What Wisdom Do Infertile Couples in the Bible Offer? Part 1
- How can you Intentionally Deepen your Spiritual Life in 2025?
- What does ‘Housecleaning’ Have to do with Wanting Children?
- What Prayer Book Does God Provide as Your ‘Go-To’?