Fasting is an important activity in the book of Esther. It is one of the few practices mentioned that was a well-documented part of Israel’s life pre-exile. Below are five principles about fasting, excerpted from my Bible study, Encountering God.

1. Fasting is not a way to manipulate God to do what you want Him to do (Isa. 58).

When we fast we’re voluntarily putting ourselves in a place of weakness and dependence upon God, trusting Him with the results of our fast.

2. When we fast we’re forgoing something natural in pursuit of the supernatural.

Jesus feasted on bread that was not of this world. Fasting has helped me become more aware of the spiritual realm that is often obscured by my earthly yearnings.

3. When we fast we’re practicing the needed discipline of saying “no” to ourselves and “yes” to God.

In a culture that prizes the ideas of on-demand, you deserve it, don’t go without, we desperately need to tell ourselves “no” on occasion. While this may seem inhibiting at first, it’s paradoxically liberating. When I have control over my body, when I’m not “hangry” several times a week, when my temperament isn’t ruled by my next meal, there is freedom.

4. Fasting is a great way of taking the focus off myself and placing it on God and others.

When all I want is a piece of pizza there’s something good and powerful about interceding for those who may not have eaten for days, for those suffering in our community and abroad, for the specific needs only God can meet. Fasting puts life in perspective and aligns our hearts with the Lord’s.

5. Fasting teaches me contentment.

When my body isn’t immediately satisfied, or life deals me a series of disappointments, fasting helps me practice the habit of going to the Lord and seeking satisfaction from Him instead of what is readily available to me. (Like my prized stash of dark chocolate peanut butter cups that solve a multitude of ailments.)

Fasting is worth it, my dear friends. I pray you will incorporate it into your semi-regular rhythm of life. . . . Gather with others to pray during your fasting. Plan times to be with the Lord or with others in fellowship. And most of all, feast.

This was excerpted from Kelly Minter’s new Bible study on the book of Esther. Learn more at lifeway.com/esther.

ABOUT KELLY MINTER

Kelly Minter is an author, speaker, songwriter, and singer. She is passionate about women discovering Jesus Christ through the pages of Scripture. Whether through song, study, or spoken word, Kelly desires to authentically express Christ to the women in a culture where so many are hurting and broken. She is driven to share the healing and strength of Christ through the Bible’s truth. 

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