Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tested by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over he was famished. Luke 4:1-2
“Just as the Holy Spirit led Jesus to fast, He will lead us. Fasting is not the same as starvation, which people experience during a famine or other circumstances. Fasting is a personal choice; starvation is forced by circumstances. It is important to always be led by the Holy Spirit when we are considering a period of fasting.
Fasting is abstaining specifically from food. When the Bible mentions fasting, it is referring to abstaining from food. In today’s world, eliminating TV time, phone, or chocolate may be sacrifices or acts of self-discipline, but these things are not biblical types of fasting.
Although the Bible doesn’t mention abstaining from other things as forms of fasting, this also can be beneficial. This type of abstinence from other things can be an especially good practice for people who are unable to fast due to medical or other reasons.”
Vladimir Savchuk in A Beginner’s Guide to Fasting: Simple, Practical, Biblical (Pasco, WA: 2024) 3-4.
Ask the Holy Spirit if it is time for you to fast from food for a time.
Should God lead you to do it, it might be a time of testing and purification in advance of some important ministry service.
But like Jesus, you should find yourself “famished” so prepare yourself.
Fasting is not easy. But when the Spirit leads you to do something, it will always be good for you.
And He just might take you to another level for generous living, giving, serving, and loving.