The Fast

Have you ever fasted and didn’t think you heard a thing from God? After all, fasting is biblical and a good spiritual practice. But let’s be real, when you can’t enjoy a good burger and fries during a fast, it’s hard not to feel like you’re missing out on something! So, why does it sometimes feel like He’s silent, even though you've sacrificed, hoping to hear from Him?

Three weeks ago, I began a Daniel Fast. For those of you who might not be familiar, the Daniel Fast is a 21-day period of fasting inspired by the prophet Daniel. It’s a plant-based diet (no meat, no processed foods, no sugar) to reset both body and spirit. Since I've done this fast several times in the past, I knew it would be a challenge, but I wasn’t expecting it to feel so brutal and silent.

Honestly, I was tempted to feel discouraged during my fast. I know I complained more than I’d like to admit, even if it was mostly in my head. My body and mind were definitely giving me a hard time during this fast - it certainly felt brutal, in the way only a fast can be. I mean, who knew that fasting french fries could be so mentally exhausting (ha!)? Seriously though, my body hasn’t exactly been cooperative since I had cancer, and this fast was no exception. I get sick easily and more often now, and during this fast, I experienced vertigo, nausea, migraine, upset stomach, and at the very end, a cold. The last time I did a Daniel fast, I had a headache every single day. So, yeah, this kind of fast isn’t something I’m rushing to do again anytime soon.

However, I woke up this morning encouraged and realized something important: sometimes God doesn’t use a fast to speak to me in the way I hope or expect. And that’s okay. It’s a reminder that I don’t need to overcomplicate how or when I hear from Him. He speaks to me in the everyday moments - the small things, the simple things, the quiet things.

Even with all the physical discomfort, something inside me feels stronger, like I’ve pushed through something important. I may not have had a big spiritual breakthrough, but maybe that wasn't the point. What I do know is that hearing from God doesn’t often come in big, dramatic moments. I don’t need to complicate it. I simply need to show up, wait, and listen without an agenda. Just a quiet expectation that God speaks in my every day life, like He always has.

None of this is to say that fasting isn't important. It absolutely is, and it has its place in my spiritual walk. But I’m reminded of what Jesus said when people asked why His disciples didn’t fast: “Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them?” (Mark 2:19a ESV). He was with them, and that made all the difference. Maybe the most profound thing I can do is just make time to sit with Him, knowing He’s already right here with me.

If you’ve fasted before and didn’t feel like you heard anything from God, you’re not alone. For those of us who wonder if it was all worth it, here’s something to remember: God didn’t speak to Daniel until after his 21-day fast. Sometimes the breakthrough comes after the fast. So if you feel like nothing’s changed, don’t be discouraged. God is still working. Even in the silence, even in the waiting, He’s there in your every day. And sometimes He’ll show up in ways we least expect, maybe even while eating a burger and fries...

xo