Christian fasting is a test to see what desires control us. Fasting reveals the measure of food’s mastery over us – or television or computers or whatever we submit to again and again to conceal the weakness of our hunger for God. A real lived-out human act of preference for God over His gifts is the actual lived-out glorification of God’s excellence for which He created the world. Fasting is not the only way, or the main way, that we glorify God in preferring Him above His gifts. But it is one way.— John Piper
In a world racing against the clock, where speed is celebrated and waiting feels like weakness, God invites us into a sacred pause. Waiting on the Lord may seem countercultural, even inefficient, but it is here, in the quiet surrender of waiting, that true strength and transformation are found.
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, to “wait on” means to serve, to attend to someone, or to remain in readiness. In our context, waiting on the Lord involves focusing our hearts on Him: calling on Him and ministering to Him in prayer, worship, and fellowship in the Word (see Acts 13:1-2).
To engage in such sacred encounters with the Lord, fasting often becomes essential. It helps declutter our souls and fine-tune our spiritual sensitivity. This may involve denying ourselves certain comforts or pleasures to dedicate undivided attention to the Lord. For some, it means abstaining from specific foods; for others, it may be forgoing entertainment or social indulgences. The point is attention, undistracted and undivided, offered to God.
Transformative moments with God often begin with His invitation. Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to fast (Matthew 4:1). Moses ascended the mountain to meet with God (Exodus 19:20; 24:12). As you step into this season, let your heart remain open to the Spirit's leadings. Where He inspires, He imparts strength.
Two powerful themes from Isaiah 58, a chapter rich with insight on fasting, are the posture of our hearts before God and our treatment of others in times of waiting. For the Israelites, fasting had devolved into ritual: outward shows of piety in exchange for divine favours. But God wasn’t impressed by their performance. He was looking for inward alignment: sincere hearts and meaningful connections with Him and with others.
“‘Why have we fasted, and you see it not? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you take no knowledge of it?’ Behold, in the day of your fast you seek your own pleasure, and oppress all your workers.
Behold, you fast only to quarrel and to fight and to hit with a wicked fist. Fasting like yours this day will not make your voice to be heard on high.
The kind of fasting that pleases God is rooted in righteousness and aimed Godward. As Jesus warned in Matthew 6:16-18, outward appearances mean little when hearts are not aligned with heaven. True fasting begins in the hidden places, where justice, mercy, and humility are nurtured.
As we wait on the Lord, His love equips us to release others from the prisons of hatred and bitterness. Experiencing His love enables us to confront and amend the unjust patterns in our lives. It compels us to extend compassion, restore fairness, and actively care for those in need.
This kind of God-honouring fast yields powerful fruit, as Isaiah 58 reveals. The first result is deeper intimacy with God, an increased sensitivity to His Word and will. From there flows healing, restoration, and reconciled relationships (v. 8).
The visible evidence is a growing ability to reflect His love and justice in our everyday interactions (vv. 9-10). Accusations fall away. Harsh words are replaced with kindness. Acts of mercy become natural expressions of a heart transformed by Him.
From this posture, undeniable answers to prayer emerge. What follows is the fruit of a true fast: divine guidance, provision, contentment, strength, vitality, beauty, restoration, establishment and lasting impact (vv. 11–12).
Friend, I believe your heart desires these outcomes. As you embark on this sacred journey, I pray you allow the Holy Spirit to fine-tune your heart for the work He is beginning.
Fix your gaze on the Blood of Jesus. Ask for grace to linger in His presence. In that place of deep communion, may glorious testimonies spring forth, bearing witness to His power alive in you.