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How to Know When God is Calling You to Fast


By Vladimir Savchuk | January 26, 2025 | 5 mins

How to Know When God is Calling You to Fast

Content from an interview with Dr. Ronnie Floyd

A few weeks back, I did a livestream with Dr. Ronnie Floyd and got to hear his insight on fasting. What I’m sharing in the blog below is his response to my question, “How do you know when God is calling you to fast?”

Understanding God’s Call

This is a profound question, one that touches on a deeply personal and spiritual journey. There are several indicators that God may be calling you to fast.

  • A crisis or a pressing need in your life
  • A restlessness in your soul that you cannot explain
  • An important decision you need to make (whether it’s about a house, career, or marriage).
  • You might also sense the call to fast when there’s a significant need in your family, such as a spouse or children needing to come to faith in Christ.
  • A desire for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit,
  • A renewed anointing or clarity of mind.

Fasting helps bring every part of your life and body into alignment with the Holy Spirit.

Deciding the Length of a Fast

Deciding to fast based on a tug on your heart is the first step. It’s then followed by the need to determine the length of the fast. The duration of a fast can vary—one meal, one day, three days, a week, 21 days, or even 40 days. It’s important to understand that often, the need of the moment influences the length of the fast. For example, a greater need might call for a longer fast. However, this isn’t always the case. Sometimes, the Holy Spirit will lead you to extend your fast even beyond what you initially planned.

It’s also essential to align the timing of your fast with your personal calendar. Fasting requires focus, and trying to fast during an especially hectic time might lead to frustration and distraction. As a result, I always encourage people to give fasting your full attention. This is crucial otherwise it can become a struggle with food and doubts about whether to continue.

Balancing Fasting with Daily Life

Now, while it’s important to rearrange your schedule as much as possible for a fast, it’s also healthy to maintain some aspects of your regular lifestyle. For instance, choose to attend that lunch meeting without eating. You can let the other person order first and simply ask for water. You don’t have to make a big deal about it. If the person is a close friend or believer, you can mention you’re seeking the Lord and ask for their prayers.

It’s important not to draw attention to your fast. In today’s online culture, some people announce their fasts on social media, which directly contradicts Jesus’ teaching. Remember, fasting should be a private act of devotion meant to attract God’s attention, not the recognition of others.

Learning to Fast

When people ask how they can learn to fast, the answer is simple. Fasting is a discipline learned through practice. While you can read books or watch videos about fasting, the real growth happens when you step into the experience. It’s like learning to swim—you won’t master it until you’re in the water.

So, dive in, learn as you go, and do your best. Whether it’s your first fast or your hundredth, you’ll never have it all figured out. The key is to start and trust God to lead you through the process.

Remember that fasting is about seeking the Lord in humility and devotion. It’s not about making a public statement but about drawing closer to God and experiencing His presence in a powerful way. Let your fast be between you and the Lord, and trust that He will reward you in His perfect timing.

Read: 5 Things to Remember After You Start Your Fast


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