By Minister Sonnie Robinson/2025

Sarah was feeling stuck. She had been praying about a big decision for weeks—whether to take a new job that would mean moving her family to another city. No matter how much she prayed, she still felt unsure. One evening, as she sat in her quiet living room with her Bible, she came across Matthew 4:1-2, where Jesus fasted for 40 days in the wilderness.

“Maybe fasting is what I need to do,” Sarah thought. She’d heard about fasting before, but she had never tried it. The idea of giving up food felt intimidating, but the more she read, the more she felt God nudging her to trust Him in a deeper way.

The next morning, Sarah woke up early, made a cup of tea, and spent time in prayer. She asked God for strength and clarity as she prepared to fast for the day. Instead of eating breakfast, she opened her Bible to Isaiah 58 and read about the true purpose of fasting: to humble herself, align with God’s will, and seek His guidance.

At lunchtime, her stomach growled. Sarah laughed softly to herself. “This is harder than I thought,” she whispered. But instead of heading to the kitchen, she sat down with her prayer journal. She wrote about her fears, her hopes, and her deep desire to hear from God.

By mid-afternoon, Sarah was starting to feel tired, but something amazing happened. As she prayed, she felt a sense of peace she hadn’t experienced in weeks. A verse from James 4:8 came to mind: “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.”

Sarah realized the fasting wasn’t just about seeking an answer—it was about drawing closer to God. She felt her heart softening, her worries melting away, and her trust in God growing stronger.         

That evening, Sarah broke her fast with a simple meal and gave thanks to God. She still didn’t have a clear answer about the job, but something inside her had changed. Over the next few days, she continued to fast and pray, taking breaks to read stories in the Bible about fasting, like Esther’s fast for her people and Jesus’ time in the wilderness.

By the end of the week, Sarah knew what she needed to do. During one of her prayer times, she felt a clear sense that staying in her current job was the right decision for her family. But more than that, she had discovered something even more valuable—a closer relationship with God.

Fasting became a regular part of Sarah’s spiritual life. Sometimes, she fasted for big decisions, like when her daughter was applying to colleges. Other times, she fasted simply to spend more focused time with God.

Each time, she was reminded of the truth she had learned in her first fast: Fasting isn’t just about giving something up; it’s about gaining something far greater—God’s presence, His peace, and the ability to trust Him completely.

Now, whenever a friend talks about feeling stuck or overwhelmed, Sarah smiles and shares her story. “You’d be amazed at what God can do when you take the time to fast and seek Him. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it. It changed my life.”

Reflection Questions

1. What is God calling you to trust Him with right now? Are there areas in your life where you feel stuck or unsure?

2. How could fasting help you focus on God’s will in your life? Think about a decision, relationship, or habit that needs His guidance.
3. How can you make fasting a regular part of your spiritual journey? What small step can you take today to begin?

Call to Action

If Sarah’s story resonated with you, why not take a step of faith and try fasting this week?

1. Start small. Choose one meal or one day to fast and dedicate that time to prayer and reflection.
2. Set a purpose. Decide what you’re fasting for—whether it’s clarity on a decision, healing, or simply to draw closer to God.
3. Prepare your heart. Spend time in scripture before you begin, asking God for strength and guidance.

4. Share your journey. Consider inviting a trusted friend or spiritual mentor to pray for you or join you in a corporate fast.
5. Reflect and respond. After your fast, take time to journal about what God revealed to you and how it impacted your faith.

Take this opportunity to step closer to God, trusting Him with your struggles and allowing Him to work in your life in powerful ways.

Start your fasting journey today!