Wednesday, December 31, 2025

New Testament Reading Plan: Ephesians 4

How do we fast?

Fasting is an invitation to trust God, not a test of our endurance. This Proverb reminds us that the spiritual life isn't meant to be navigated by sheer willpower alone: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5)

That includes how we fast. It's a rhythm of trust and an intentional act of saying, "God, I want your way more than mine." While fasting is deeply spiritual, it is also practical, and wisdom matters.

Scripture calls us to seek God with intention, but it never asks us to ignore the realities of our bodies, responsibilities, or seasons of life. Not everyone can fast the same way, and not every season allows for the same kind of sacrifice. Wisdom helps us choose a fast that is faithful rather than forced, one that draws us closer to God instead of leaving us discouraged or depleted.

Fasting with grace means releasing comparison. It's easy to measure our devotion against someone else's practice. The goal is not to prove spiritual strength but to cultivate dependence.

When a fast is chosen prayerfully—whether it’s from food, media, or another daily comfort—it becomes an act of trust, saying, “God, I believe you will meet me here.”

As we listen for God’s guidance, he promises to “make our paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:6) That doesn’t mean fasting will always feel easy, but it does mean it will be purposeful.

A wise fast aligns our intention with God’s direction and leaves room for his grace to carry us when our strength runs thin.

Questions:
Are you approaching fasting with trust in God’s guidance, or leaning on  your own expectations of what it should look like?

Next Steps:
Prayerfully ask God what kind of fast fits your current season and choose one that encourages trust rather than pressure.

Prayer:
Lord, I want to trust you with my whole heart. Give me wisdom to choose a fast that honors you and grace to release comparison. Lead me in your way, and shape my heart as I seek you. Amen.

This post was written by Lori Tuckerman, Director of Content for the Daily LivingItOut.

As we prepare for 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting beginning January 5, we’ve created a special week of devotions focused on fasting—what it is, how to practice it, and what God can do through it. We invite you to use this time of waiting to look ahead with anticipation, trusting God and growing closer to him.