My Fasting Journey: Struggles, Lessons, and God’s Guidance

Now, imagine this: I’m a new Christian, full of mustard-seed faith (lol), and I decide I’m going to fast for a whole day. But here’s the thing—I didn’t know anything about fasting. So, like the college student I was, I hit Google hard and researched everything I could about it. After reading a ton of stuff, I thought, “Okay, I’ll just do a day of water and fruit.” I mean, I was new at this, and going straight to a water fast seemed way too intense. Plus, I have a crazy high metabolism. Seriously, I’ve been able to out-eat most guys my age all my life, so skipping meals wasn’t exactly easy for me.

So, I went to Walmart, stocked up on bottled water and a ton of fruit, and I was ready to go! The next day, I headed to work (I was a grad student working as a research assistant on campus) feeling all pumped. I had my water, I had my fruit, and I was feeling good… until about midday. Lunchtime hit, and OMG—I couldn’t take it anymore. It felt like one of the hardest things I’d ever done. I thought I was going to starve to death! There was no way I could make it through the whole day. I remember thinking, “God bless all you people who fast, but nope—this is NOT for me.” I swear it felt like I hadn’t eaten in months!

What I didn’t realize at the time was that this whole experience was teaching me something really important. My flesh—my cravings, my comfort, my feelings—was totally in control of my life, and the Spirit didn’t have much say. As long as I kept letting my flesh rule, I’d always give up whenever I didn’t “feel” like doing something. And honestly, that had been the story of my life. There were so many things I wanted to do, but whenever an opportunity came, fear, doubt, procrastination, or some other excuse would get in the way, and I’d miss out. Every time, I’d end up feeling disappointed in myself.

Romans 8:13 says, “For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.”

And let me tell you, I was dying spiritually. Satan and his crew were having a party in my head, making me feel like I had failed God, that I was a failure, and that I couldn’t get anything right. And yeah, maybe I had failed in that moment, but that wasn’t who I was or who I am. I’m who God says I am, and God doesn’t condemn—He corrects. Of course, I didn’t know all of this back then. I just saw my half-day fasting attempt as another big failure.

But guess what? That wasn’t the end of it. The desire to fast didn’t go away. I kept trying. For instance, during Lent one year, I decided I’d fast for the week leading up to Good Friday, drinking only coconut water. Bruh, by 2 p.m., I was shaking like I was going through withdrawals, and I had to eat something!

I’m sharing all of this with you so you know—you’re not alone. I’ve failed at fasting and prayer more times than I can count. And if you’ve struggled too, it’s okay! The fact that you’re here, reading this, means God hasn’t let that desire to fast and pray die in you. He’s keeping it alive, and this time, He’s going to guide you. That’s where I come in!

This time is going to be different. You’re going to succeed. Why? Because God always finishes the good work He starts in you (Philippians 1:6). And remember, all things—whether we think they’re good, bad, or somewhere in between—work together for good for those who love the Lord (Romans 8:28). These aren’t just words; they’re the real deal. God is the King, and whatever He says goes!

I’m so glad you’re giving this another try. I pray that God blesses you, that the Holy Spirit guides you through this process, and that this blog helps you on your next fast. You’ve got this! And don’t forget to share your amazing success stories to encourage others who are joining in!

Shalom!

Lyn