Fasting that Leads to Breakthrough

Some of the most spiritual decisions you’ll ever make will feel painfully unspiritual in the moment.

Like when your stomach is growling at 10:14 a.m. and you’re trying to worship with a headache.
Like when your schedule feels tighter, your patience feels shorter, and your emotions get louder before they get quieter.

Let’s be honest. Fasting is hard.

But what if the resistance you feel is not a sign you’re doing it wrong?
What if it’s proof that something real is happening under the surface?

Have you ever noticed how quickly we reach for something to cope?
Have you ever felt the Holy Spirit inviting you to slow down, but you kept scrolling anyway?
Have you ever wanted breakthrough, but also wanted comfort?
Have you ever wondered, “Is fasting actually biblical… and does it really change anything?”

Here’s the truth: fasting is biblical, and when it’s paired with prayer, it becomes a pathway to breakthrough.

Fasting is a holy “reordering” that positions us for God’s breakthrough and an overflowing life.

We’re inviting our whole Dreamer’s Church family into a focused season of prayer and fasting because we believe God has more for your life, and seeking Him first changes everything. When we get intentional about seeking Him, we start seeing the power of prayer at work in relationships, work, family, church, and every area of life.

And I love how Jentezen Franklin frames it: "Prayer connects you to God, and fasting disconnects you from the world’s noise so you can hear God clearly."

Not because the world is “all bad.”
But because your soul was never designed to run on constant input.

First, that's not always a bad sign that something is challenging. When you fast, you don’t just feel hunger. You feel everything.

Because food is rarely just food. It can be comfort. Routine. Reward. Relief. A timeout button.
So when you remove it, what was underneath rises to the surface.

That’s why the first few days can feel like a battle. Many people push through early discomfort and then experience more energy, focus, and clarity as the fast continues, while still using wisdom and involving medical guidance when needed.

In other words, your body adjusts and your spirit wakes up.

And that’s important to say out loud: wisdom matters. If you have medical concerns, don’t try to be a hero. Be healthy. Be honest. Talk to a professional when appropriate. We encourage using wisdom and getting guidance, especially for longer fasts.

God isn’t asking you to damage your body. He’s inviting you to direct your hunger.
Also, can we just name this?

Fasting is not a hunger strike to get God’s attention.

It’s an act of surrender that reorders our attention.

Jesus assumed His followers would fast, and He taught us to do it with humility and health, not hype:
I love that Jesus says, “when,” not “if.”
And He’s basically saying: don’t make your fast a show. Don’t turn it into a personality. Keep it personal.

Because the power of fasting isn’t in people noticing.
The power is in your heart realigning.

Fasting says, “God, You’re first again.”

That’s why this verse matters so much in a season like this:


Fasting is one of the clearest ways to practice that “seek first” life.

And here’s the key connection to our OVERFLOWING year: God fills you so He can flow through you.

Jesus said:

That’s not containment language. That’s overflow language.

Fasting is one way we come thirsty again.
Not thirsty for trends. Not thirsty for control. Not thirsty for distraction.

Thirsty for Him.

That’s why we talk about different kinds of fasts, because wisdom matters.

Some do a complete fast with liquids. Others do a selective fast like the Daniel Fast. Some do a partial fast. Some choose a soul fast from things like social media to refocus what is out of balance.

Fasting resources emphasize learning the basics, understanding different types of fasts, and choosing wisely rather than jumping into something unwise or performative.

So here’s the goal:

Not to copy someone else’s fast.
Not to compete.
Not to punish yourself.

To follow the Holy Spirit with a challenge that is real and responsible.

A practical way to choose:

• Start where you can be consistent. A 1–3 day fast is a meaningful start for many people. 
• Pick something that actually “costs” you. If it doesn’t change anything, it won’t shape anything.
• Pair it with prayer on purpose. Don’t just remove food. Replace it with time with God.

Because fasting without prayer is just dieting. But fasting with prayer is devotion.

Now let’s talk about breakthrough.

Yes, fasting can bring breakthrough.

Not because it earns God’s love, but because it positions you to receive what He is already eager to pour out.

Ezra’s story says it simply:


Notice the order: fasted and prayed.

And God answered.

Sometimes breakthrough looks like a door opening.
Sometimes it looks like peace returning.
Sometimes it looks like a habit losing its grip.
Sometimes it looks like clarity for the next step.

And sometimes, breakthrough looks like you becoming different on the inside.

This is why Isaiah’s promise is so powerful:
That sounds like overflow to me.
Guidance. Strength. Provision. A spring that does not quit.

So how do you stay expectant during a fast?

Here are a few anchors that keep you steady:

If you feel stretched, you’re not failing. You’re fasting.

If you’re grumpy and proud, something’s off.
If you’re hungry and humble, you’re right where God can meet you.

Write down what you’re believing for. Pray it daily.
You don’t need fancy prayers. You need faithful prayers.

And I’ll add this: Fasting can sharpen spiritual sensitivity and help believers focus on God with greater clarity. That’s what we’re after. Not religious intensity. Spiritual clarity.

Fasting is personal, but it’s never just private.

Because God doesn’t only want to heal you. He wants to use you.

That’s why our word for the year is OVERFLOWING. God fills your life, and then turns your life into a channel.

Paul says it like this:
God fills you with hope so you can overflow hope into your family.

Into your workplace.
Into your friendships.
Into your city.

And Austin needs hope. Not a vague optimism. Real hope. The kind that holds steady when life shakes.

That’s why I believe fasting is part of Kingdom stewardship. It’s you saying, “Lord, manage my desires. Lead my life. Re-center my priorities.”

Because overflow does not start with stuff. It starts with surrender.

Fasting is not about proving how strong you are.

It’s about admitting how much you need Him.

And I believe this is going to be a defining season for our church family. Not because we are trying harder, but because we are seeking deeper. God has more for you. More freedom. More clarity. More peace. More joy. More faith. More hope.

So let’s lean in together.

And hey, don’t do this alone. Come worship with us this Sunday at Dreamer’s Church in Austin for the next part of our OVERFLOWING series. Bring a friend who’s in a tough spot right now: anxiety, loneliness, addiction, grief, relationship pain, burnout, spiritual dryness. Sometimes the biggest breakthrough starts with one brave invite.

If you or someone you love has been searching for a church, this is your invitation to “Come sit with me. If you click this link, one of our leaders will text you and save you a seat!

Come breathe again. Come take one step toward Jesus.”

We promise, we’ll save you a seat.

If you’re looking for churches around you because you’re hungry to encounter God, you’re not alone. A lot of people enter a new year carrying anxiety, loneliness, regret, or spiritual dryness. The good news is: you don’t have to navigate that alone. A healthy church family can give you structure, encouragement, and a place to grow while you seek God in prayer and fasting. If you’re in the Austin area searching for a church, Dreamer’s Church would love to help you take one step closer to Jesus and one step toward breakthrough.