Fasting with Purpose: Creating Space for God in Your Life
Lent is a season that calls us to reflect, reset, and draw closer to God. One of the most meaningful spiritual practices during this time is fasting — intentionally giving something up to create more space for God. While fasting often involves abstaining from food, it's much more than that. True fasting is about surrender — intentionally stepping away from distractions, habits, or comforts to focus on what matters most: our relationship with God.
Why Fast?
In Matthew 6:16-18, Jesus teaches:
"When you fast... your Father, who sees what is done secretly, will reward you."
Notice that Jesus didn't say if you fast — He said when. Fasting is an expectation, but it's not about an empty ritual. It's about replacing what we give up with something more significant — more profound prayer, intentional reflection, or meaningful acts of service.
When we fast with purpose, we create space for God to move in our hearts and minds. We silence the world's noise to hear God's voice more clearly. We weaken the grip of worldly comforts so we can experience the fullness of God's presence.
Fasting That Transforms
True fasting is not just about saying "no" to something — it's about saying "yes" to God.
Fasting from Food — Use your hunger as a reminder to pray and seek God's guidance.
Fasting from Social Media — Fill the silence with Scripture reading, journaling, or quiet reflection.
Fasting from Negativity — Replace critical thoughts with words of encouragement and gratitude.
No matter what you choose to fast from, let it be an intentional act of surrender. Ask yourself: What is taking up space in my life that God calls me to release?
Proving God Can Believe in You
This season of fasting is also an opportunity to show God that He can believe in us — that when we say we are committed to Him, our actions reflect that promise. Each time we choose to deny ourselves and turn to God instead, we prove that our faith is more than words.
Each sacrifice becomes an offering — a way of telling God, "I trust You to fill the empty spaces."
Reflection Questions:
What distractions in my life are crowding out my time with God?
What specific habit, comfort, or activity might God call me to fast from this Lent?
How can I fill that space with something that draws me closer to God?
What can I do today to prove to God that He can trust me with His purpose?
As you fast with purpose this Lent, may you discover the peace, strength, and clarity that come from creating space for God. Each intentional step—each sacrifice—is a powerful reminder that you are not just believing in God—you are living in a way that shows God can believe in you.
In Service,
Rev. Walker
