When I say “what,” I am not talking about what we should fast. We covered that when we talked about “how” to fast. “What” is “What are the benefits or results of fasting.” As we saw in “Why” there is primarily one goal associated with fasting, to strengthen our relationship with God. Likewise, in general that is the primary benefit and outcome of fasting. However, it can be observed from several different facets. Let’s briefly look at them individually.

Enhanced Spiritual Connection:

Through fasting we draw closer to God. Fasting is not about what you give up, it is about what you gain from doing it.

By setting aside physical needs, our spirit is more attuned to the things of the spirit. (Imagine listening to the radio, you can hear it, but it has a lot of static that is hearing God without fasting. Now the radio is perfectly tuned to the station and you hear it perfectly clear that is hearing God while fasting.) That does not mean we cannot hear Him if we don’t fast, it is just a lot easier when we do.  

‘Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.’  James 4:8‘

My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me;’  John 10:27

Fasting demonstrates our dependence on God both in the natural as in providing for sustenance and spiritually.

‘He humbled you and let you be hungry, and fed you with manna which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that He might make you understand that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by everything that proceeds out of the mouth of the Lord. ‘ Deuteronomy 8:3
‘I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. ‘ John 15:5

Increased Prayer Effectiveness:
While I honestly do not believe that there is anything that we can do to “convince” or “manipulate” God to take action regarding a particular need or prayer request, I do believe He chooses to move in accordance with our demonstration of obedience and faith when we fast regarding these issues. I have a Christian brother, who joined with a group of others and they all joined in unity fasting and praying for the salvation of his sister who was very heavy in the New Age and occult at the time. Within a week, he received a call from her telling him that she had accepted the Lord.
Likewise, I believe that fasting intensifies the power of our prayer when we are interceding or in spiritual warfare. This connects with the point above. When we fast we are denying our own strength and relying on His. In our weakness He is made strong.

‘But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. ‘ 2 Corinthians 12:9
‘So He said to them, “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.”’ Mark 9:29
‘“Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.” ‘ Esther 4:16

Humility and Repentance:

Scripture is full of examples of individuals and groups of individuals fasting and praying as acts of humility or to demonstrate repentance. When we do so again we are drawn closer to Him and we have a deeper understanding and truly experience His Love and grace towards us. When we come to that realization, then our hearts and eyes are turned even more towards Him and less from that thing that we were repenting from.

‘if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. ‘ 2 Chronicles 7:14

‘On the twenty-fourth day of the same month, the Israelites gathered together, fasting and wearing sackcloth and putting dust on their heads. Those of Israelite descent had separated themselves from all foreigners. They stood in their places and confessed their sins and the sins of their ancestors. ‘  Nehemiah 9:1-2

‘So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes. I prayed to the Lord my God and confessed: “Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, we have sinned and done wrong. We have been wicked and have rebelled; we have turned away from your commands and laws. ‘ Daniel 9:3-5

Seeking God’s Guidance:

As mentioned earlier when we fast we are more attuned to hearing the voice of the Lord. This can be especially true when we are in a time of seeking Him for His will and direction in our lives. The disciples fasted and prayed when adding to their numbers, 

‘While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off. ‘  Acts 13:2-3

‘Then all the Israelites, the whole army, went up to Bethel, and there they sat weeping before the Lord . They fasted that day until evening and presented burnt offerings and fellowship offerings to the Lord . And the Israelites inquired of the Lord . (In those days the ark of the covenant of God was there, ‘  Judges 20:26-27

Ultimately, as we are sincere, humble and fasting for the right reasons, the condition of our heart is much more important than what we fast and if we do it “exactly” right. The point is about realizing, acknowledging and demonstrating our total dependence on the Lord, in ALL areas of our lives – physical, mental, emotional, financial and spiritual. When we approach fasting with the right heart and intent then we can be assured that we are loved by a “Good Father” who will hear and answer, because he LOVES giving His kids GOOD gifts. 

So, I challenge you. Will you stretch your boundaries? Will you get out of your comfortable, safe, and boring life and take a step towards one of sacrifice, hunger and challenge that is also filled with JOY, LOVE and VICTORY? Pray – ask Him how He would have you start this journey. 

For those that are interested, I remind you that I do a water fast each Wednesday. Should the Lord lead you to do so, I invite you to join me. 

‘Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. ‘  John 6:35