Fasting and Temptation: Strength in Resistance

When we fast, one of the most fundamental aspects of our daily life—eating—is suddenly removed. But fasting is about more than just abstaining from food. We give up pleasures, the joy of shared meals with friends, and routines that provide us with stability. Fasting is a deliberate choice to let go of the familiar in order to create space for God to move.

Yet, precisely because fasting holds such deep spiritual power, we often face significant resistance. The moment we decide to fast, everything seems to go wrong: unexpected obstacles arise, and temptations feel overwhelming. The enemy wants to prevent us from experiencing a deeper connection with God. He knows that fasting is a powerful weapon against his schemes and will use every tactic to make us give up.

Even Jesus faced this reality. After fasting for 40 days in the wilderness, the devil approached Him with seemingly harmless temptations: bread to satisfy His hunger, power over the world, divine protection on demand (Matthew 4:1-11). But Jesus resisted—not through sheer willpower, but by trusting in God’s Word. He knew that true life does not come from bread alone, but from every word that proceeds from the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4).

Fasting is not just about abstaining; it is about realignment. It reveals where our hearts truly rest. Do we rely on food and comfort, or do we place our trust in God? Fasting exposes what truly drives us. Temptations during fasting are not signs of failure, but opportunities to strengthen our faith. Every temptation we overcome deepens our relationship with God and proves that His power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).

If you are fasting and temptation strikes, remember this: you are not alone. God gives you the strength to stand firm. Resisting temptation is not a sign of weakness but of spiritual maturity. Hold on, for fasting is a path to drawing closer to God and experiencing how He fills you with renewed strength.

Next Step: Before you begin your fast, take time to pray and ask Jesus for strategies to resist temptation.