Fasting as an invitation to abundance

When we think of fasting, we often think of deprivation: no meals, no sugar, no coffee. The thought of going without makes many people uncomfortable. But what if fasting is not just about letting go, but also about experiencing abundance? What if it is an invitation to experience God's presence in a new depth?

Paul wrote Philippians from a prison cell - a place of extreme restriction. No comfortable bed, no good food, no personal freedom. And yet we read no complaints in his letter, but words full of joy and contentment. “I can be full and hungry; I can suffer want and have abundance. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:12-13)

How is that possible? Paul had understood a profound truth: True abundance is not dependent on external circumstances. He realized that he could draw his inner contentment from his relationship with God. It is not what he has or does not have that determines his joy - but his closeness to Christ.

Fasting helps us to discover this truth for ourselves. When we consciously decide to do without something, we open up space for God's presence. Perhaps we fast from food or distractions such as social media or Netflix - not to torture ourselves, but to find a deeper joy.

In our society, we are used to equating abundance with plenty. However, spiritual abundance often manifests itself in the opposite: in silence, in simplicity, in consciously letting go. When we fast, we realize that our soul is not filled by external things, but by God alone.

Fasting is more than just renunciation - it is an invitation to experience divine provision. In reduction, we discover how much God fills us. Just as Paul found the deepest joy in his cell, we too can experience a new dimension of faith through fasting. Perhaps God is calling you today to see fasting not as a restriction, but as an opportunity to experience His fullness in a whole new way? Where can you create space for God to saturate your heart with His presence?

Next Step: Read the letter to the Philippians and note what inspired you most about Paul's attitude. Thank God that He shows us through this story how little we need to experience fullness through Him.