F.A.S.T.-Forward Faith
by Mike Killebrew
This summer, my wife and I celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary with a brief trip doing something out of the ordinary for us. We went to a Sight and Sound Theater and saw the live retelling of the biblical story of Daniel. As a side comment, I’d highly recommend the Sight and Sound Theater! It was incredibly well done as they portrayed the dilemma of Daniel and his three friends as they were exiled to Babylon, navigating life in a palace filled with golden statues and ample opportunity and pressure to abandon their faith in God. The theater masterfully reenacted the story of Daniel and his friends as they remained steadfast to God despite the pressures of being in a foreign culture with the threat of death and surviving the lion’s den and fiery furnace.
As I watched the show, while snacking on sugar-coated roasted almonds, this biblical story unfolded in front of my eyes. One of the early scenes, found in Daniel 1:8ff, depicted Daniel refraining from consuming the royal food and wine, resulting in a 10-day test during which they ate only vegetables and water. A limited fast, I have also heard some refer to this as the Daniel fast.
I appreciated how the show went back and forth between the moments of the restricted food intake and Danial and his cohorts praying to God for strength and resolve to stay steadfast. As we know the story, the Lord gave Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah physical health, knowledge, and understanding that was unmatched.
Again, I’d point out that I was snacking on high-priced, sugar-coated roasted almonds as these scenes were being acted out! I was reminded of the food culture of excess that we live in and challenged with the fact that fasting has been a part of the Judeo-Christian tradition for several thousand years. I was convicted…I’m the guy snacking on almonds while the scene of fasting was taking place. Maybe sugar-coated roasted almonds were part of the Daniel fast—it was a partial fast—ha! Throughout Scripture, we often see the practice of fasting from food and sometimes drink when God’s people needed strength and mercy to persevere or as they were seeking a word from God. We see it practiced in times of mourning and repentance. Additionally, the New Testament church sometimes fasted during times of worship and when seeking God’s will, needing the grace and strength to remain faithful to His work. Jesus began His ministry with a forty-day fast. Scripture is replete with examples of people who fasted for a large variety of reasons.
In 2024 we’ve been focusing our blogs on the theme of “All Eyes on Jesus” by exploring the 12 Spiritual Disciplines that Richard Foster wrote about nearly 50 years ago in his book Celebration of Discipline. As other e2 bloggers have already pointed out, a fast is the self-denial of normal necessities to intentionally attend to God in prayer. Simply put, bringing attachments and cravings to the surface creates space for prayer. This physical awareness of emptiness is the reminder to turn to Jesus, who alone can satisfy.
As Daniel and his friends maintained their resolve to honor God in the face of pressure and temptation, we, too, can embrace fasting as a means to deepen our reliance on Him. While our context might differ, the spiritual principle remains: the discipline of fasting helps us draw nearer to God, tuning our hearts to His voice and strengthening our faith. To make this spiritual discipline more accessible, consider these practical steps, encapsulated in the acronym FAST.
F – Focus
Begin your fast with a clear, purposeful focus on God. Set aside intentional time to worship, pray, and spend time in His Word. Fasting isn’t only about abstaining from food or other necessities; it’s about deepening your connection with God. Start by choosing specific Scriptures or themes (such as Daniel’s story) that remind you of God’s faithfulness and provision.
A – Assess
Before starting a fast, ask yourself why you’re fasting. Are you seeking direction, spiritual breakthrough, or simply deepening your relationship with God? It’s important to ensure your reasons align with spiritual growth and humility. Journaling your motives and desired outcomes can help keep you anchored and sincere throughout the fast.
S – Strategize
Determine the type of fast that suits your current spiritual and physical needs. Whether it’s a partial fast like Daniel’s (e.g., avoiding certain foods) or a more traditional fast, having a structured plan helps maintain focus and intention. Decide on the duration and set reminders for prayer times to stay engaged in seeking God during those moments of physical hunger.
T – Trust
Fasting can reveal unexpected challenges and bring hidden struggles to the surface. Trust that God will use this time to mold you, strengthen your resolve, and draw you closer to Him. Stay persistent even when you feel tempted to give up or when it gets tough. Lean into His grace, remembering that fasting is not about perfection but about surrender and faithfulness.
As we look back at the powerful story of Daniel and his friends, we’re reminded that fasting is more than an ancient practice; it’s a profound way to reorient our lives toward God, seeking His strength, wisdom, and presence. In our fast-paced, excess-filled, comfort-obsessed world, pausing to practice the discipline of fasting allows us to acknowledge our dependence on Him and deepen our relationship with Christ. The heart of fasting lies in surrender, trust, and the pursuit of God above all else. May we each find the courage to implement the practice of FAST—Focusing on God, Assessing our Motives, Strategizing a Plan, and Trusting the Process—and watch as it transforms our spiritual walk, just as it did for Daniel and countless others throughout Scripture and in history.
