My youngest daughter was born with a seizure disorder, my husband’s business failed resulting in extended unemployment, and I was diagnosed with melanoma. I have now come face-to-face with my failures and disappointments with myself, some of my relationships, and yes, even my walk with the Lord. I’ve prayed for direction and guidance, but heaven remains silent. My sister suggested that I fast, as the ancients did.

Though I was raised in the church, I didn’t know much about fasting. I knew that Jesus told His followers “whenever you fast,” not “if you fast” (see Matt. 6:16), signifying it was a practice we should follow.

After doing some research, I found that the children of Israel and Christians through the ages fasted because of repentance, need, sickness, national deliverance, and many other reasons. Fasting should not be done to get what we want but as a way to step back from the clutter and noise of our everyday lives to draw close to Jesus.

Fasting seems to be an abandoned practice, possibly because we don’t understand what fasting is, how to do it, or what it will accomplish. But in using our own forsaken desires to feast on God alone, He teaches us about ourselves, and He reveals His heart to us. Fasting is not something we do for God; it’s a way of reconnecting us with our Father.