Scripture: Matthew 4:1-4, Isaiah 58:1-12, & John 15:1-5
Why We Fast
Today, we fast. And fasting is fundamentally about spiritual growth—about abiding more deeply in Jesus.
When Jesus fasted in the wilderness for forty days and was tempted to turn stones into bread, He responded: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Fasting teaches us this truth experientially. Our stomachs remind us that we need more than food. We need God.
In John 15, Jesus says: apart from Him, we can do nothing. Fasting is a way of pruning—of cutting away distractions and dependencies that keep us from abiding fully in Christ. When we fast, we create space for God’s voice.
Isaiah 58 reminds us that the fast God desires isn’t just abstaining from food—it’s paired with hearts turned toward justice, mercy, and humility. True fasting breaks chains of injustice and shares bread with the hungry. When we fast, we’re reminded of our dependence on God so that we can better serve others in His name.
Fasting for “Your One”
As we fast today, we’re also seeking God for boldness to share the grace of Jesus—specifically with “your one.” Your one is one person in your life who does not know Jesus. Throughout Breakthrough, we’re challenging ourselves to identify that person, pray for their salvation, and look for opportunities to share the gospel with them.
Today, as you fast, pray specifically for your one:
· Ask God to reveal who this person is
· Pray for their heart to be softened to the gospel
· Ask for boldness and divine appointments to share your story
Let every hunger pang become a prayer—for your own abiding in Christ and for your one to encounter His grace. Every time you feel discomfort, turn it into worship. Say, “God, You are enough. I need You more than I need this meal. Give me boldness to speak of You to the one You’re placing on my heart.”
Reflection Questions:
1. What distractions or dependencies is God inviting you to lay down through fasting today?
2. Who is “your one”? If God hasn’t revealed this person yet, ask Him to show you today.
3. How can you pair your fasting with acts of justice, mercy, or service today?
Application:
Every time you feel hunger today, stop and pray. Pray specifically for your one by name—for their salvation, for boldness to share Jesus, and for divine opportunities. Journal tonight about what God showed you through today’s fast.