09/01/2026
BEFORE YOU EMBARK ON ANOTHER FAST THIS YEAR, TAKE A MOMENT TO READ THIS.
It’s a new year, and as usual, many churches and individuals have entered a season of fasting and prayer my church included. At the same time, there are people who have chosen to sit this one out. For some, it’s because the things they fasted and prayed for last year didn’t come to pass, and now the question on their hearts is, “What difference did fasting make?”
That feeling is understandable. Disappointment can quietly drain our spiritual enthusiasm. But here’s a truth we must remember: if you can pray amidst unanswered questions, delayed promises, and life’s pressures, then you can also fast amidst them. Fasting is not reserved for moments when everything feels hopeful, it is often most powerful when hope feels stretched.
At its core, fasting is not primarily about asking God for things. The first purpose of fasting is to acknowledge God’s sovereignty over our lives, to say, “You are God, and I submit my desires, plans, and timing to You.” It is an act of alignment before it is a request for provision.
If you desire to fast and pray effectively this year and to see answers, then let your fasting be guided by the will of God. Don’t pray carelessly or emotionally alone. Take time to search the Scriptures and discover what God has already said concerning the matters you’re praying about. Hold firmly to His Word and pray from that place.
As you fast, let your focus remain on God’s will, not just your wants. When prayer is rooted in Scripture and fasting is anchored in surrender, it produces clarity, strength, and results that align with God’s perfect purpose.
This year you will have answers to your prayers in Jesus Name Amen.
©️Marky Bernard.