Fasting Isn’t the Point — Alignment Is

Happy New Year and what is also know as the season of fasting for many people in the kingdom of God, just sharing a few thoughts on fasting (and praying) for encouragement xx

January often brings renewed conversations about fasting in the body of Christ — what fasting is, what it isn’t, and whether certain fasts “count.” But I’ve found that when we focus too much on definitions, we sometimes miss the heart of the matter.

Fasting is not about weight loss.

I’m holding your hand here, I’m not saying this in a judgemental tone - honestly! This is because I’ve been there, once upon a time I had such a bad relationship with food and coming into Christ, I found understanding, freed from toxic behaviours with food and my body and delivered into peace with honouring my body as the temple God designed. So I say, if our primary expectation of fasting is physical change, you’ve missed the point — completely. That’s like trying to hit a tennis ball with a golf club. You might make contact, but you’re using the wrong tool for the wrong purpose.

Biblical fasting is spiritual before it is physical.

Jesus addressed this directly. He warned against fasting that seeks visibility or validation. His instruction was simple: wash your face. In today’s language — show up as you normally would. Don’t perform your hunger. Don’t announce your sacrifice. Because when fasting becomes public performance, the reward ends there.

This is why the question should never be “What kind of fast are you doing?”
The real question is: Why are you fasting?

There’s also ongoing debate about the Daniel Fast — whether it is a “real fast” or merely a diet. Daniel did eat, but he abstained from the delicacies of the land. What he practiced was a partial fast — denying the flesh pleasure so the spirit could remain alert and aligned. Fasting, at its core, is abstention with intention.

It’s also important to say this responsibly: not everyone can fast from food in the same way. Medication, pregnancy, health conditions — these matter. Wisdom matters. Seeking medical counsel matters. God is not glorified by harm or ignorance. Fasting should never put your body in danger.

What Scripture consistently points us back to is posture.

Isaiah 58 confronts fasting that seeks outcomes without transformation. Matthew 6 reminds us that fasting is meant to be done in secret. And Matthew 6:33 anchors us:

Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.

“All things” is intentionally unspecific — because God refuses to be limited by our imagination. Provision may come, yes. But so do peace that surpasses understanding, joy as strength, discernment, clarity, and the authority to speak to mountains instead of being crushed by them.

Fasting has also been teaching me something deeply personal: alignment.Fasting exposes how aligned to Him you are.

When God created Adam and Eve, He gave them dominion — but when they stepped out of position, God’s first question was not What have you done? but Where are you?

When God asked Adam, “Where are you?” it wasn’t because He lacked information. God already knew what Adam had done. The question was about position. Adam was out of alignment — and God wanted him to recognise it.

Then the LORD God called to Adam and said to him, “Where are you? - Genesis 3:19 NKJV

Fasting has a way of revealing where we are out of alignment, where we’ve drifted. When the flesh quiets, the spirit speaks more clearly. When appetites are restrained, discernment is sharpened. You begin to notice what has been ruling you, what has been distracting you, what has pulled you just slightly — or completely — out of place.

And this is why fasting and prayer truly are foundational. Not because they earn God’s attention, but because they return us to ours.

So if you’re fasting this season — whether fully, partially, or in another form — let the prayer be gentle and honest:

“Lord, where am I?”

Not what do I want next.
Not what do I need from You.
But where am I standing — and where are You calling me to return?

Some amazing sermons online that can help:

It starts with Praying & Fasting - Pastor Davis Kunihira @ ARC South, London

And when you fast - Pastor Philip Anthony - 2819 Church

I hope this helps!

God bless you