My Top 5 Strategies for Surviving A Spiritual Fast

Some of you know that I try to start every New Year with a time of focused prayer and fasting. Typically, I do 21-days, but sometimes shorter/longer as I feel the Lord is directing me. For the last 15 years or so, fasting has been an integral part of my spiritual growth. 

Growing up, I would occasionally hear my grandmother talk about fasting with my mom. It always sounded ominous and difficult when they talked about it. So even though I have been saved most of my life, my confidence with spiritual fasting started off very low - almost non-existent.  think that’s why I enjoy encouraging and supporting the fasting experience for others. The spiritual benefits of fasting far outweigh the deprivation from my favorite foods.

Hands down, the best way to learn about fasting is through the book, Fasting by Jentezen Franklin. This book is easy-to-read, is Biblically based and totally enlightened me on the principles of fasting.

I sometimes fast throughout the year as well, typically when I am going through a difficult season or need greater clarity.  Several  years ago, I was faced with a very difficult business decision.

I wanted guidance from the Lord about which direction I should take in my consulting and coaching business. For many weeks, I mentally wrestled with the different options and paths I could take, but I felt like my head was spinning in circles. Have you ever felt that way?

At the advice of a trusted deacon from my church, my husband joined me in a 3-day fast and we asked the Lord to confirm His direction for me by the witness of two to three other people (2 Corinthians 13:1).

True to God’s Word, by the end of my fast, I knew what I needed to do. Keep in mind, this issue had been weighing on me for months, and I just couldn’t get settled in my spirit about it.

Some breakthroughs come only by prayer and fasting – even the apostles learned that in Mark 9:29.

The direction wasn’t necessarily the “easiest” path, but praise the Lord, I knew what He wanted me to do! Also, just to level set expectations…the confirmation by two or three others was not some mystical, thunder and lightning experience. In some ways, it was subtle, and I think that’s why Jesus Himself said we should “watch and pray.” (Mark 14:38)

That passage talks about avoiding temptation, and we typically think of “traditional” temptations like fornication, adultery or stealing. Sometimes we can simply be tempted to not trust God. Unbelief can tempt us to do things our way and in our own time, which is ultimately sin or disobedience. Without faith it’s impossible to please God. Hebrews 11:6

If we only avoid certain foods during a period of fasting, we have missed the whole point and deprived ourselves for no reason. We have to study the Word consistently – at least read a verse of Scripture a day – and we absolutely have to pray and then watch how The Holy Spirit guides or speaks.

How To Survive A Spiritual Fast Like A Boss

While our hearts might be gung-ho about fasting, despite our good intentions, it can be easy to lose our motivation and willpower during this sacred time. Over the years, the following strategies have really helped me stay focused and finish a spiritual fast like a pro.

1. Seek the Lord for guidance on what to fast (give-up, abstain from) and the duration of the fast. Fasting should be a sacrifice, so it's very personal to the individual. If you love salty foods, but decide to give-up sweets, is that really a sacrifice? Also, ask the Lord how long He wants you to be engaged in this spiritual practice. Common lengths are 1, 3, 10, 21 and 40-days, but you should follow what Holy Spirit guides you to do and consult with a healthcare provider to factor in any health challenges.
2. Plan your meals and do your grocery shopping in advance. Fasting is not a time for mindless eating or thinking that you can run through any drive-thru for your next meal. Planning ahead is essential. I try to plan for one-week at a time. You'll need to make sure you have options for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Make a grocery list with the fasting-compliant ingredients that you'll need. If you forget an ingredient, you're more likely to sabotage your efforts by substituting with foods that are supposed to be off-limits.
3. Keep fasting-friendly snacks on-hand and in your purse or bag. Don't leave home without a granola bar, bag of nuts, or a piece of fruit! My favorite vegan protein bar is Go Macro especially the Oatmeal Chocolate Chip. Remember that protein consumption is vital (all the time) but especially if you are giving up meat. Getting enough protein with each meal, including snacks, will help you avoid getting hangry, as protein helps you feel full longer. 
4. Let family, friends and coworkers know about your spiritual fast. Some people choose to keep their periods of fasting very private, and that's very understandable. Use discretion and discernment when deciding who to tell. The main point here is that you want to have a plan in place for family celebrations, holidays and important work events that involve food. If it's a family affair, you can check with whoever is hosting to see what will be on the menu; or if you're going to a restaurant, you can scope out the menu in advance to see what you will be able to eat. You may have to ask for a change in venue, if possible. The same thing goes for work lunches or dinners. You can either try to postpone until after your fast if you're coordinating the scheduling, or you can let the organizer know you have some special dietary restrictions for the upcoming event.
5. Avoid meal boredom by trying new recipes. Boredom with food options during a fast can be a sure-fire way to weaken your resolve. This is why planning your meals and grocery shopping strategically are so important. At the same time, you need variety to stay motivated and actually look forward to your meals. Keep in mind, 21-days of eating the same thing or drinking the same smoothie is going to get old after a while. For some inspiration, here are some of my favorite vegetarian and vegan recipes I use when fasting. These are great if you are doing the Daniel Fast or giving up meat.