Fasting on the Frontlines of Spiritual Warfare
There’s a saying that goes, “It’s better to be a warrior in a garden than a gardener in a war.” It’s a phrase I’ve lived by for years, one that has shaped my perspective on life and preparation. But let me tell you, nothing has put that saying to the test quite like my current 40-day fast. As of this writing, I’m 17 days, 17 hours, and 3 minutes in—not that I’m counting or anything. Physically, I feel amazing (except I’ve been fighting a cold), sharper than I have in years. Mentally, it’s a constant battle. Spiritually? Let’s just say the stakes have never felt higher.
This isn’t my first rodeo with fasting, but this time it feels different. I didn’t start this fast as a physical detox or some new self-improvement challenge. No, this fast came from a place deep in my soul. I felt compelled—called, even—to do this as a way of hardening myself spiritually. For what exactly? I’m not sure yet, but I know it’s coming. Something big. Something that will require every ounce of faith, discipline, and preparation I can muster.
Why Fasting?
Fasting is one of those ancient practices that we modern folks don’t talk about much anymore. Sure, intermittent fasting has become a trendy health hack, but what I’m doing isn’t about weight loss or blood sugar levels. Biblical fasting is a whole different beast. It’s about saying no to the physical to strengthen the spiritual. It’s about clearing out the clutter of the world so you can tune into the frequency of Heaven.
And let me tell you, when you strip away the noise—food, comfort, the endless distractions—it’s incredible what you start to notice. For me, the first thing I noticed was how dependent I am on things that don’t really matter. Fast food cravings hit me like a freight train on day three. Burgers, fries, milkshakes—I could practically smell the grease even though I was nowhere near a drive-thru. That craving wasn’t just about hunger; it was a reminder of how much I’ve let convenience and comfort control me.
Fasting exposes those dependencies. It pulls back the curtain and forces you to confront the things you’ve been using to fill voids that only God can truly fill. It’s humbling, uncomfortable, and honestly, a little embarrassing. But it’s also freeing.
The Physical Battle
Let’s start with the obvious: fasting isn’t easy. Your body doesn’t exactly throw a parade when you stop feeding it. The first few days are a struggle as your system adjusts to burning stored energy instead of relying on constant input. Hunger pangs come and go, but over time, something incredible happens. Your body adapts. It becomes more efficient, more focused, more... alive.
I’ve experienced this firsthand. As the days have stretched on, I’ve felt a clarity and energy that’s hard to describe. It’s as if my body is thanking me for giving it a break, for letting it heal and reset. But make no mistake—this isn’t just a physical journey. The physical battle is just the tip of the iceberg.
The Mental Battlefield
If the physical battle is like boot camp, the mental battle is full-on trench warfare. The cravings aren’t just for food; they’re for comfort, for distraction, for anything that takes your mind off the hard work of fasting. For me, the mental struggle has been louder than the growl of my stomach. It’s that little voice whispering, “Come on, one bite won’t hurt. You’ve earned it.”
But here’s the thing about fasting: it shines a spotlight on those voices. It forces you to confront the lies you tell yourself, the excuses you make, and the patterns you’ve let go unchecked. It’s uncomfortable, sure, but it’s also necessary. Growth doesn’t happen without resistance, and fasting is the ultimate resistance training for the soul.
The Spiritual Warfare
Here’s where things get real. Fasting isn’t just a physical or mental exercise; it’s a spiritual act. It’s a declaration of war against the unseen forces that try to control and manipulate us. Ephesians 6:12 lays it out plainly: “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
Earlier this year, I had a personal encounter that made this verse come alive for me in a way I never expected. I woke up in the middle of the night—3:49 a.m. to be exact—after a vivid, disturbing nightmare. The figure in the dream felt dark, oppressive, and unmistakably evil. It wasn’t just a bad dream; it was a spiritual attack. I recognized the entity as something akin to Lilith, a figure often associated with chaos and destruction.
The dread I felt that night was overwhelming. But as I prayed—calling on God for protection, rebuking the darkness in His name—the heaviness began to lift. By the time I finished, the oppressive feeling was gone, replaced by a peace that only God can provide.
That experience taught me two things: first, the enemy is real, and he’s not playing games. And second, the most powerful weapon we have isn’t our own strength—it’s our faith. Fasting amplifies that faith. It strengthens our connection to God and equips us for battles we might not even see coming.
The Warrior in the Garden
I keep coming back to that phrase: “It’s better to be a warrior in a garden than a gardener in a war.” Fasting, for me, has been about stepping into that warrior role. It’s not about fear or paranoia; it’s about preparation. The garden might look peaceful now, but I know battles lie ahead. And when they come, I don’t want to be caught off guard. I want to be ready.
This fast is my training ground. It’s where I’m learning to rely on God’s strength instead of my own, to tune out the distractions and focus on what really matters. It’s where I’m sharpening my spiritual sword, piece by piece, day by day.
Lessons Learned So Far
Fifteen days in, here’s what I’ve learned:
Fasting reveals your weaknesses, but it also reveals God’s strength. Every craving, every moment of doubt is an opportunity to lean on Him.
Spiritual warfare is real, and fasting is one of the most powerful tools we have to fight it. It’s not about starving the body; it’s about feeding the spirit.
Preparation matters. Whether it’s fasting, prayer, or simply being aware of the battles around us, readiness is key.
This journey has been challenging, no doubt about it. But it’s also been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Fasting has taught me to embrace the discomfort, to face the battles head-on, and to trust that God is equipping me for something greater.
What’s Next?
The truth is, I don’t know exactly what lies ahead. But I do know this: I’m not fasting for nothing. I’m fasting for clarity, for strength, and for whatever mission God is preparing me for. Whether you’re considering a fast yourself or simply looking for ways to deepen your faith, my hope is that this journey inspires you to take that next step.
Spiritual warfare isn’t something we can ignore. It’s real, it’s personal, and it’s happening whether we like it or not. But here’s the good news: we’re not in this fight alone. God has already given us the tools we need to stand firm. The question is, will we use them?
So, what’s your next step? Maybe it’s a fast. Maybe it’s prayer. Maybe it’s simply taking a moment to reflect on the battles in your own life. Whatever it is, I encourage you to lean in, trust God, and get ready for what’s ahead.
The garden may seem peaceful now, but the time to prepare is now—not when the battle begins. Let’s step into our roles as warriors, together.