A young man received a so-called prophetic instruction to fast for days. He asked the prophet, “What did God say will happen when I fast?” The reply was, “I don’t know. Just fast. Don’t you believe in fasting?” He answered, “I don’t believe in fasting. I believe in God.”
Friend, Christianity is beyond religion. It is reality (Colossians 1:16-18). One of the devil’s quiet tactics is to keep you busy with spiritual activities while you drift away from God Himself. Any spiritual exercise that does not have God at the core is just religion (Luke 18:10-14).
Religion is like paying for a meal at a restaurant and never getting the food. It can keep you awake all night without bringing you closer to God. It can take you from church to church without ever connecting you to Him. Religion puts you in bondage; Jesus brings freedom (Galatians 3:1-5).
Religion produces death; Jesus gives life (John 6:63, 2 Corinthians 3:6). Religion takes from you; a relationship with Christ adds to you. You can fast out of religious duty, or you can fast to draw near to God. We must be careful not to be so occupied with activities that we miss God in the process (John 1:10-12).
What transforms us and our situations is not “7 days of fasting.” It’s the encounter we have with God (2 Corinthians 3:18). Fasting helps us discipline the flesh and create space for the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 9:27, Galatians 5:16). But fasting without spiritual focus is just a hunger strike.
Put God back at the centre of your life and routines (Matthew 6:33). Have your quiet time not to feel spiritual, but to meet with God. Don’t go to church to check a religious box. Go to church to encounter God and grow with Him. Don’t be like the sons of Sceva — with a form of godliness but denying its power (Acts 19:11-17, 2 Timothy 3:5). Move from religion to reality.
‘Demola Awoyele
Leaf Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria