As we step into 2026, many people are seeking a deeper connection with God that goes beyond the routine of church services and daily devotions. On her latest podcast, Lisa Bevere shared a message on how to shift your spiritual life this year through the power of fasting.
Bevere’s own journey with fasting was born from struggle. “I had an eating disorder from the time I was 15 until the time I was 22,” she recounts. After becoming a Christian, her unhealthy patterns shifted but did not disappear. Overeating replaced her previous dieting, and frustration with her body led to anger at God. That is, until she heard a life-changing word from the Lord: “Your weight is an idol to you, Lisa.”
Through repentance and obedience, Bevere discovered that fasting is not simply a diet. “A diet changes the way you look, but a fast changes the way you see,” she explains. Fasting, she says, is a spiritual reset—a way to discipline the soul, clarify priorities and create room to hear God’s voice. Bevere emphasizes that fasting is not about deprivation but about devotion.
The Bible offers numerous examples of fasting as a tool for spiritual awakening. Bevere points to the story of Nineveh in Jonah: “The people of Nineveh believed God and proclaimed a fast… and God said, ‘I’ve heard their cry. I’ve seen them humble themselves.’” Fasting, in this sense, is not about making God change His mind—it is about aligning ourselves with His will and becoming receptive to His guidance.
Fasting also serves a higher purpose beyond personal growth. Bevere draws on Esther’s example: fasting in preparation for intercession and action. “When we fast, we are actually setting aside time for our King,” she says. “We’re preparing a banquet, saying, ‘God, I want you more than my daily bread.’” The discipline of fasting fosters a heart of compassion that breaks chains all around us.
Practical application is key. Bevere encourages starting small: a single meal, limiting social media, or abstaining from entertainment that distracts from God’s presence. The goal is not guilt but grace. “If you say, ‘All right, God, I’m going to start small and believe big,’ God will work with you on that,” she notes.
The benefits are tangible. Fasting increases capacity for God, sharpens discernment and can lead to spiritual breakthroughs. Isaiah 58 promises that when done rightly, “Your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear…You will cry for help and He will say, ‘Here I am.’”
In 2026, Bevere’s challenge is clear: fast not for appearance, but to hear God more clearly, to intercede for others and to experience transformation. Fasting is ultimately about realigning our hearts with God, cultivating spiritual hunger and living fully in His presence.
Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the upcoming book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment.
