Fasting is not a trendy spiritual exercise or a religious add-on for especially motivated believers. Scripture presents it as a normal, expected discipline for those who want to draw nearer to God.
Jesus did not say if you fast, but when you fast, assuming His followers would practice it as part of a healthy spiritual life. Throughout the Bible, fasting is tied to repentance, clarity, breakthrough, humility and deeper dependence on the Lord. It is meant to quiet the flesh so the spirit can hear more clearly.
That perspective is at the heart of a recent teaching by Vlad Savchuk, pastor and founder of HungryGen. In a message focused on what believers should do after they begin a fast, Savchuk emphasizes that fasting is not just about what you stop doing, but what you intentionally replace it with. His approach is practical, pastoral and rooted in Scripture, aiming to help believers avoid missing the spiritual purpose of the fast altogether.
Below are the five key principles he encourages Christians to do during a fast:
1. Replace food with God’s Word
Savchuk stresses that fasting creates space, and that space must be filled with Scripture and prayer. Hunger becomes a reminder to pause, pray and feed on the Word rather than on food. Reading, meditating on, and even writing out Scripture helps realign the heart with God’s voice and purpose. Worship also plays a role, creating an atmosphere where the Holy Spirit can guide and speak more clearly.
2. Handle physical weakness with wisdom
Fasting affects the body, and Savchuk encourages believers not to ignore that reality. Staying hydrated, resting when needed, and reducing intense physical activity are all part of fasting wisely. The focus shifts away from physical performance and toward spiritual pursuit. While the body may feel weaker, the spirit grows stronger through dependence on God.
Order Vlad Savchuk’s New Book, “Make the Devil Homeless” on Amazon.com!
3. Cut out distractions and noise
One of the most common mistakes during fasting, according to Savchuk, is keeping the same level of entertainment and media intake. Constant noise from social media, television and nonstop content can drown out God’s voice. Fasting is meant to be a reset, a spiritual and soulish detox that clears away distractions so sensitivity to the Holy Spirit can increase.
4. Fast with humility, not visibility
Savchuk warns against turning fasting into a public display. The goal is not recognition from people but humility before God. While there is nothing wrong with acknowledging a fast when necessary, making it a focal point or seeking attention undermines its purpose. Fasting is meant to draw God’s attention, not applause from others.
5. Persevere through discomfort and finish strong
Finally, Savchuk highlights the importance of endurance. Starting a fast may come from passion, but finishing it requires discipline. Most of the battle takes place in the mind, not the body. Pushing through discomfort builds spiritual strength, mental resilience and obedience. Breakthrough often follows perseverance, not quitting early.
Fasting is not about perfection or performance. It is about pursuit. It strips away reliance on comfort and trains the heart to lean more fully on God. When approached with humility, focus and perseverance, fasting becomes a powerful invitation to renewal. It sharpens spiritual sensitivity, strengthens resolve and reminds believers that true sustenance comes not from bread alone, but from every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.
James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a background in journalism from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and the LA Dream Center. A Marine Corps and Air Force veteran, he is the author of The Revelation of Jesus: A Common Man’s Commentary and a contributor to Charisma magazine.
