21 Day of Fasting - 2025 - Day 1

Devotional Entry: The Importance of Biblical Fasting

As we embark on our 21-day fast as a congregation, it is essential to reflect on the significance of biblical fasting and its role in our spiritual growth. Fasting, as described in Scripture, is not merely an outward practice of abstaining from food or distractions; it is a deeply spiritual discipline designed to draw us closer to God, refine our hearts, and align our desires with His will.

1. Fasting Draws Us Near to God

In Matthew 6:16-18, Jesus teaches us that fasting should not be for show, but a private act of devotion to God. He says, “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. Truly, I say to you, they have their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that your fasting may not be noticed by others but by your Father, who is in secret; and your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you.” This passage reminds us that fasting is about humbling ourselves before God, seeking His presence in a deeper way. When we fast with sincerity, we cultivate a more intimate relationship with Him.

2. Fasting Strengthens Our Dependence on God

In Deuteronomy 8:3, God reminds the Israelites that fasting was not only about physical hunger but about learning spiritual dependence: “He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.” Fasting teaches us that our true sustenance comes not from food but from God Himself. During this fast, let us be reminded of the profound truth that our lives are sustained by God’s Word, His promises, and His provision, not just by earthly nourishment.

3. Fasting as a Time of Repentance and Renewal

In Joel 2:12-13, the prophet calls the people of God to return to Him with fasting, weeping, and mourning: “Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning. Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and He relents from sending calamity.” Fasting is a time to seek the Lord with all our hearts, repenting of sin and turning away from anything that hinders our relationship with Him. It is a time for spiritual renewal, where we ask God to purify our hearts and strengthen our faith.

4. Fasting Brings Breakthrough and Power

In Isaiah 58:6-9, God speaks to the kind of fasting that He desires: “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?” Fasting is not just a personal discipline; it is a powerful way to intercede on behalf of others and to break strongholds of injustice and oppression. As we fast together as a congregation, we are positioning ourselves to experience breakthrough both in our own lives and in the lives of those we intercede for.

5. Fasting Focuses Our Hearts on God’s Will

Finally, fasting helps us focus our hearts on God’s will. In the life of Jesus, we see the ultimate example of fasting when He spent forty days in the wilderness. Matthew 4:1-4 tells us, “Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, He was hungry. The tempter came to Him and said, ‘If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.’ Jesus answered, ‘It is written: Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Through His fasting, Jesus demonstrated perfect reliance on God’s Word and will, even in the face of temptation. As we fast, may we be reminded of our own need to rely fully on God, trusting in His timing and provision.

Conclusion:

As we begin this 21-day fast, let us approach it with a heart of humility and expectancy. May this time set apart for fasting lead us into deeper intimacy with God, greater dependence on His Word, a renewed spirit of repentance, and a greater sense of His power at work in and through us. Let us fast with the understanding that God is doing a profound work in us, and that He honors those who seek Him with their whole heart.

Prayer:

Father, as we enter into this 21-day fast, we surrender our hearts to You. We ask that You draw us closer to You, refine our hearts, and align our desires with Your will. Help us to be obedient to the promptings of Your Spirit and to experience the breakthrough and renewal that You have prepared for us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.