Are You Unknowingly Sabotaging Your Fast?

Fasting is a sacred act of drawing closer to God, breaking strongholds, and seeking spiritual clarity. However, there are subtle ways we might undermine our efforts without even realizing it. Here are some common pitfalls that can sabotage your fast before, during, and after, along with practical ways to avoid them, making your fast a transformative and powerful experience.

1. Not Praying While You Are in a Fasting State

Fasting without prayer is simply going hungry. The power of fasting comes from seeking God's presence and intentionally dedicating that time to communion with Him. Without prayer, you miss the spiritual nourishment and revelation that fasting brings.

Scripture:

• “But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” – Matthew 6:17-18

• “Pray without ceasing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:17

2. Only Fasting While You Are at Work

Fasting at work can be challenging due to the constant ringing of phones, emails, and interruptions from coworkers. While fasting during work hours is a great practice, it should be in addition to your regular fasting schedule. Ideally, carve out a time when you can fully focus on God without distractions.

If you do fast while working, kindly remind your coworkers that you’re fasting, and avoid gossiping or idle talk. If you don’t want to announce your fast openly, playing Christian music softly at your desk can be a subtle way to create a peaceful, focused atmosphere that signals you’re in “spiritual mode.”

Scripture:

• “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” – Philippians 2:12

• “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen.” – Matthew 6:6

3. Being Distracted During Your Fast

Distractions are a significant hindrance when fasting. Whether it’s social media, TV, or endless notifications, distractions keep you from fully experiencing the spiritual depth of your fast. Try to reduce these distractions by scheduling specific times for prayer, reflection, and scripture reading during your fast.

Scripture:

• “Be still, and know that I am God.” – Psalm 46:10

• “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” – Matthew 6:33

4. Listening to False Teachers or False Prophets

Your spirit often knows when something doesn’t sit right, especially when you’re fasting. Don’t ignore that still, small voice that warns you when exposed to false teachings. The enemy loves introducing confusion, especially during spiritually sensitive times like fasting. Be vigilant about what and who you listen to.

Scripture:

• “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” – Matthew 7:15

• “Test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” – 1 John 4:1

5. Not Having a Plan During the Fast

Fasting without a plan can feel scattered and unproductive. Having a strategy is essential to staying spiritually focused and intentional. This means ensuring you have an opening prayer, a set list of things you want to pray for, and a closing prayer. Neglecting to meditate on scripture can also sabotage your fast. Make it a point to study God's Word during your fast, allowing it to guide your prayers.

As you pray to break strongholds, such as generational curses or other challenges in your life, understand that spiritual attacks may increase during this time. The enemy wants to keep his hold on you. Fight back with prayer, using powerful scriptures like Psalms 35 and 91 and Luke 10:18-20, which remind you of the authority God has given you.

Scripture:

• “For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?” – Luke 14:28

• “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” – Proverbs 16:3

6. Using Foul Language During a Fast

The words we speak carry power, especially when we are fasting. Foul or negative language can disrupt the spiritual flow of your fast. Make a conscious effort to speak life, not only over yourself but also over others during this time. Use your words to build up and bless.

Scripture:

• “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up.” – Ephesians 4:29

• “Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.” – James 3:10

7. Watching or Listening to the Wrong Content

Not all content is spiritually edifying. During your fast, be mindful of what you watch and listen to. Avoid engaging with content that doesn’t glorify God or may lead you astray. Even some Christian content may be compromised or not aligned with sound doctrine, so always discern carefully.

Scripture:

• “I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless.” – Psalm 101:3

• “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, think about these things.” – Philippians 4:8

8. Fasting with the Wrong Motives

If your fasting motive is self-serving, such as seeking material wealth or fame, you're missing the point. Fasting is a time to humble yourself before God, seek His will, and align your desires with His purpose. The focus should be spiritual growth, healing, and deepening your relationship with the Lord.

Scripture:

• “You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.” – James 4:3

• “Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness?” – Isaiah 58:6

9. Neglecting Deep Repentance

Fasting often reveals areas of our lives that need repentance or transformation. Pay attention to what God shows you during your fast, whether through dreams, visions, or scriptures. Don’t brush these revelations aside. This is a time to dig deep and seek forgiveness, healing, and spiritual growth.

Scripture:

• “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”– 1 John 1:9

• “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” – Matthew 4:17

10. Ending Your Fast with a Feast

It’s natural to look forward to eating after a fast, but ending your fast with an over-the-top feast can undermine the spiritual discipline you’ve built. Instead, break your fast with a light, balanced meal that reflects the spiritual strength you’ve gained during your fasting.

Scripture:

• “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31

11. Failing to Ask God if He Was Pleased with Your Fast

At the end of your fast, ask God if He was pleased with your efforts. Fasting is an act of worship, and like any other form of worship, it should be done with the intent to please God, not man. God will give you peace or reveal areas for improvement. Don’t hesitate to ask Him for feedback through prayer.

Scripture:

• “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!” – Psalm 139:23

• “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” – Colossians 3:23

Conclusion

Fasting is a powerful way to grow closer to God, but it requires intentionality, focus, and the right heart posture. By avoiding these common pitfalls, you can ensure that your fasting time is spiritually fruitful and impactful. Stay grounded in prayer, scripture, and a clear purpose, and trust that God will meet you in a deep and personal way during your fast.

Key Verses on Fasting:

• “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do… but when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting.” – Matthew 6:16-18

• “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” – James 4:8