🔥 Wisdom in FASTING: making space for God’s grace

fasting in Scripture, a 24-hour no-negativity challenge, and wisdom from the saints

Whether it's giving up food, social media, or something else we rely on, denying ourselves isn’t something we naturally enjoy. But God calls us to fasting not as a burden, but as a gift.

When we let go of something, we make space for something greater—more prayer, more awareness of God’s presence, more trust in his provision. Fasting isn’t just about saying “no” to ourselves; it’s about saying “yes” to God.

This week, I’m sharing inspiration to let go of those things that stand in the way between us and God—negativity, busyness and distraction. With Scripture, journaling, prayer, a 24-hour no-negativity challenge, and St. Isidore, we’ll explore the power of fasting, not just as a Lenten practice, but as a path to deeper faith. How can we embrace sacrifice in a way that draws us closer to Jesus? Let’s reflect, pray, and journey together.

***PS: Don’t forget that we will be live right here on Substack with Emily Stimpson Chapman Wednesday evening at 7:30 pm ET. Look for the notification in your email or the app and join us for “When You Fail and God Succeeds”

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The Power of FASTING: More Than Just Giving Up Food

Fast from distraction, feast on God's presence.

Fasting is often thought of in terms of food—giving up meals, sweets, or meat on Fridays during Lent. But at its core, fasting is about making space for God. It is an act of emptying ourselves so that God can fill us, a spiritual discipline that reorders our desires and reminds us that God alone sustains us.

When Jesus fasted for 40 days in the desert, he was physically weakened, but spiritually strengthened. The devil tempted him to turn stones into bread, but Jesus responded with a profound truth:

“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4)

Jesus shows us that fasting is not about deprivation, but about dependence. When we deny ourselves something we are attached to—whether that’s food, entertainment, or even our own negative thought patterns—we create room for God to work in us. Fasting teaches us that we do not need to be ruled by our impulses. Instead, we learn to hunger for God’s grace more than anything else.

This week, consider fasting in a new way. Maybe you’ve already given up something for Lent, but what if you took this time to fast from distraction? What if you set aside time to fast from complaining, worry, or the endless noise of social media?

Fasting isn’t just about what we give up—it’s about what we gain: a heart that is more attuned to God’s voice.

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Listen:

Lord, I Need You by Matt Maher is a prayerful reminder that our deepest need is God alone.

Now Do This:

📖 Read Matthew 4:1-11 – Reflect on Jesus’ 40 days in the desert. How did fasting prepare him for his mission?

📝 Journal Prompt: What do I rely on too much that keeps me from relying on God? (Food? Comfort? My phone? A busy schedule? The approval of others?) How can I create more space for God?

🙏 Lord, as I begin this week, help me to fast not just with my body, but with my heart. Teach me to hunger for you more than anything else. Amen.

🙊 24-Hour Challenge: A Fast from Negativity

Fasting is about shifting our hearts and minds toward God. While we often focus on fasting from certain foods, habits, or comforts, one of the most transformative fasts we can undertake is fasting from negativity. For the next 24 hours, challenge yourself to eliminate negativity from your words, thoughts, and interactions.

🚫 No complaining (not about work, the weather, or slow wifi!)
🚫 No gossip (even subtle, disguised complaints about others)
🚫 No criticism (of yourself or others—replace it with encouragement!)

Instead, replace every negative thought or word with gratitude:

Traffic? Thank God for the chance to slow down and pray.
Frustrating coworker? Ask God to help you see that person through his eyes.
Unexpected problems? Trust that God is using this moment to stretch and strengthen you.

Choosing not to complain doesn’t mean ignoring problems—it means choosing to see things differently. Instead of frustration, we choose patience. Instead of criticism, we choose encouragement. Instead of dwelling on what’s wrong, we focus on what’s good.

Now Do This:

Read Philippians 2:14-15 – How does choosing joy and gratitude make us "shine like lights in the world"?

Journal Prompt: What did I notice when I fasted from negativity? How did it change my mood, my conversations, or my outlook on the day?

🙏 Lord, help me to guard my words and my thoughts. When I am tempted to complain, remind me of your goodness. When I want to criticize, help me to speak with kindness. Let my words reflect your love today. Amen.

😇 Saint Isidore of Seville & Fasting for Wisdom

Did you know St. Isidore of Seville fasted and prayed fervently for knowledge and holiness?

Fasting is often thought of as a way to discipline the body, but for St. Isidore of Seville (feast day April 4), it was also a path to enlightening the mind and soul. Known as the Patron Saint of Scholars, St. Isidore lived in 6th-century Spain and dedicated his life to learning, teaching, and preserving knowledge—a monumental task during a time of war and instability.

Despite his vast intellect and achievements, St. Isidore understood that true wisdom begins with God. He didn’t just rely on books and study; he fasted and prayed so that his heart and mind would remain open to divine truth. He recognized that fasting clears away distractions and helps us focus on what truly matters—God’s wisdom and guidance.

His legacy reminds us that fasting is not just about food—it’s about making room for God to work in us. Whether we are seeking deeper faith, clarity in decision-making, or a renewed love for Scripture, fasting can help open our hearts and sharpen our minds.

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Now Do This:

📖 Read Proverbs 2:1-6 – “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”

📝 Journal Prompt: What is one small way I can practice joyful fasting? How might fasting help me seek God’s wisdom in my life right now?

🙏 St. Isidore of Seville, pray for us, that we may hunger for God’s wisdom and seek him above all else. Amen.