WEDNESDAY | Lent Series | Returning to the Heart of God — How to Fast With Purpose

We have examined our hearts. We have spoken about repentance. Now we address fasting.

I think we know this by now: Fasting is not about food. It is about focus.

Jesus said in Matthew 6:16–18 (KJV): “Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast…

But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.”

Notice what Jesus did not say. He did not say if you fast. He said when you fast. Fasting is expected. However, fasting is not for display.

The hypocrites fasted for attention. We saw that in the Bible and we see it today. They wore it on their faces. They advertised their sacrifice. 

But Jesus says true fasting is done before the Father — not before the crowd. Matthew 6:16 (NKJV), “Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.”

Family, fasting without humility becomes performance. Fasting without prayer becomes dieting. Fasting without repentance becomes ritual.

The prophet Joel declared in Joel 2:12 (KJV): “Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning.”

Fasting is tied to turning. It is not starvation; it is surrender.

Biblical fasting removes something physical to gain something spiritual. It quiets the flesh so the spirit can be sharpened. It creates space for clarity.

In Scripture, fasting was never empty ritual. It was tied to real spiritual response. 

In Jonah 3:5–10, the people of Nineveh fasted as an outward sign of repentance and turned from their evil ways. In Acts 13:2–3, the early church fasted while seeking direction, and the Holy Spirit gave clear instruction. In Esther 4:16, fasting preceded courageous action and God’s deliverance of His people. And in Ezra 8:21, fasting was an act of humility, acknowledging dependence on God for protection and guidance.

However, we must be careful not to treat fasting as a way to manipulate or control God. It does not move Him in that way. What fasting does is align and position us.

When we fast, we are saying: “God, You are more necessary than this meal. More necessary than this comfort. More necessary than this habit.”

Some fast food.

Some fast media.

Some fast distractions.

The method may differ. The motive must not.

saiah 58:3–7 (KJV) warns against fasting that is external but not transformational. God rebuked those who fasted while continuing in injustice and strife. Family, fasting that does not change behaviour misses its purpose.

Purposeful fasting asks: What am I laying down? What am I seeking? What needs to shift in me?

If you are fasting this Lent, do not do it mechanically. Attach it to prayer. Attach it to Scripture. Attach it to repentance.

Fasting is not about earning God’s love. It is aligning with His will.

And Jesus promises something powerful in Matthew 6:18 (KJV). He says, “That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.”

Family, God sees what no one else sees. The private sacrifice. The quiet discipline. The hidden surrender.

Fasting done with purpose produces sensitivity. It sharpens discernment. It deepens dependence.

As we continue this Lenten series: Returning to the Heart of God, let’s let our fasting be intentional.

Turn to Him.

Seek Him in secret.

Lay something down.

Make room for Him.

Fast with purpose.

And trust the Father who sees.

This is not about appearance. This is about alignment. 

Click here for the full Live Empowerment Session: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dkCki1-wrI&pp=0gcJCSoaAYcqIYzv