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Adam Smith | February 8, 2011 | 21 Comments

fasting experiences

When I’ve fasted in the past, God really shows up. In 2008 I started the year off with a fast and I got clearer direction. I fasted at the beginning of 2009 and my life totally turned around. We were in Colorado by the end of the year. I fasted at the beginning of 2010 for clarity and came out feeling refreshed. The biggest part of the fasts weren’t necessarily food, even though that was pretty difficult. My favorite part was being intentional with my time, without being online at all for the time of fasting. In this day and age and with what I do, the internet helps with communicating what I need to say, whether it be through email or social media. I turned it all off for three weeks and came out with a better sense of what the right priorities were.

I recommend a fast for anyone needing direction in life, if that’s what you feel you need to do.

Have you ever fasted before?
What were your reasons for fasting?
What have been your experiences with fasting?

Filed Under: deepness

Adam Smith

I teach people how to have a greater impact through their work and their time. You can read more about me on my about page.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Akpalm01 says

    February 9, 2011 at 4:34 am

    Question: As far as traditional fasting with food went, what is the longest that you went? Did you just stop “cold turkey” for that time, or did you work up until you quit for that timeframe? Thanks!

    Reply
    • jackalopekid says

      February 11, 2011 at 4:13 am

      1.5 weeks cold turkey and another 1.5 daniel’s fast

      Reply
  2. Akpalm01 says

    February 8, 2011 at 10:34 pm

    Question: As far as traditional fasting with food went, what is the longest that you went? Did you just stop “cold turkey” for that time, or did you work up until you quit for that timeframe? Thanks!

    Reply
    • asmithblog says

      February 10, 2011 at 10:13 pm

      1.5 weeks cold turkey and another 1.5 daniel’s fast

      Reply
  3. Mross says

    February 10, 2011 at 10:26 pm

    My fasting is each week on Wed. I wish had the strength to do better – Fridays too, but I do not. I do believe that there is life after here and by fasting I am showing that material things are least meaningful to my reality. I think it makes me stronger, clearer, peaceful, and puts me in touch with a more accurate reality. Of course it must be done with good intentions and I do find my prayers to be more meaningful when I fast. One day has been enough for me and it certainly challenges my materialistic desires! My fast is pledged each time for those that are lost and need guidance. I believe a fast has value and worth done properly. My beliefs are based upon what I have learned recently. Good Luck my friend!

    Reply
    • jackalopekid says

      February 11, 2011 at 4:12 am

      that”s awesome!

      Reply
  4. Mross says

    February 10, 2011 at 4:26 pm

    My fasting is each week on Wed. I wish had the strength to do better – Fridays too, but I do not. I do believe that there is life after here and by fasting I am showing that material things are least meaningful to my reality. I think it makes me stronger, clearer, peaceful, and puts me in touch with a more accurate reality. Of course it must be done with good intentions and I do find my prayers to be more meaningful when I fast. One day has been enough for me and it certainly challenges my materialistic desires! My fast is pledged each time for those that are lost and need guidance. I believe a fast has value and worth done properly. My beliefs are based upon what I have learned recently. Good Luck my friend!

    Reply
    • asmithblog says

      February 10, 2011 at 10:12 pm

      that”s awesome!

      Reply
  5. Keri says

    February 10, 2011 at 10:27 pm

    I’ve never fasted before. 🙁 I have had a negative attitude toward fasting because for me it comes across as self-righteous. People like to talk about how they’re fasting when they’re fasting. And, they like to fast at Lent and proclaim how hard it is to give up fill in the blank for 40 days. nnI’m doing a Beth Moore study on David right now. In I Samuel 14, Saul has the army fast, leaving them weak and tired. Beth Moore shows how it is important for God to call us to a fast, and not man. She says, u201cFasting called by God will result in strength, not weakness. Fasting for any other reason works against us rather than for us. It is a wonderful and highly effective discipline of God, but we must follow His instruction for fasting so we will be empowered rather than depleted in our battles.u201d Amazing to think that fasting from food could allow God to empower us!nnAnother side note: our pastor recently preached a sermon from Isaiah 58, which talks about fasting. Check out that chapter because it is bomb biggity, yo!n

    Reply
    • jackalopekid says

      February 11, 2011 at 4:12 am

      yeah, i know what you’re talking about. i debated on whether to write this or not for that very reason. but, i felt like i should. awesome that it seems to be coming up in your circle lately as well

      Reply
      • Keri says

        February 11, 2011 at 5:01 am

        Just so you know, I didn’t think your post about fasting was self-righteous at all. I hope you didn’t think I was saying that about you. I’m glad you wrote this post because it is evidence that fasting actually DOES work. God moves in so many different ways that I have yet to experience even a fraction of them.

        Reply
  6. Keri says

    February 10, 2011 at 4:27 pm

    I’ve never fasted before. 🙁 I have had a negative attitude toward fasting because for me it comes across as self-righteous. People like to talk about how they’re fasting when they’re fasting. And, they like to fast at Lent and proclaim how hard it is to give up fill in the blank for 40 days.

    I’m doing a Beth Moore study on David right now. In I Samuel 14, Saul has the army fast, leaving them weak and tired. Beth Moore shows how it is important for God to call us to a fast, and not man. She says, “Fasting called by God will result in strength, not weakness. Fasting for any other reason works against us rather than for us. It is a wonderful and highly effective discipline of God, but we must follow His instruction for fasting so we will be empowered rather than depleted in our battles.” Amazing to think that fasting from food could allow God to empower us!

    Another side note: our pastor recently preached a sermon from Isaiah 58, which talks about fasting. Check out that chapter because it is bomb biggity, yo!

    Reply
    • asmithblog says

      February 10, 2011 at 10:12 pm

      yeah, i know what you’re talking about. i debated on whether to write this or not for that very reason. but, i felt like i should. awesome that it seems to be coming up in your circle lately as well

      Reply
      • Keri says

        February 10, 2011 at 11:01 pm

        Just so you know, I didn’t think your post about fasting was self-righteous at all. I hope you didn’t think I was saying that about you. I’m glad you wrote this post because it is evidence that fasting actually DOES work. God moves in so many different ways that I have yet to experience even a fraction of them.

        Reply
  7. Michael C. Hernandez says

    February 10, 2011 at 10:52 pm

    Thanks for the post. My wife and I are considering a fast from our “online lives” after hours. I think this post just sealed the deal.

    Reply
    • jackalopekid says

      February 11, 2011 at 4:10 am

      well if that’s what yall feel is needed, awesome man!

      Reply
  8. Michael C. Hernandez says

    February 10, 2011 at 4:52 pm

    Thanks for the post. My wife and I are considering a fast from our “online lives” after hours. I think this post just sealed the deal.

    Reply
    • asmithblog says

      February 10, 2011 at 10:10 pm

      well if that’s what yall feel is needed, awesome man!

      Reply
  9. Mross says

    February 11, 2011 at 1:22 pm

    Thanks so much for the post – I wish fasting was discussed more and not like highlighted here as badge for those that wish to showcase their faith to others. I try to not share with others when I am as it is very private for me. I understand the ultimate fast is on bread and water which is what I do but as we all know fasting from anything we desire is of value if done with the proper humility and intentions. Thanks for sharing about the Daniel’s Fast – that is certainly something I am checking out. Thank you for the forum.

    Reply
  10. Mross says

    February 11, 2011 at 7:22 am

    Thanks so much for the post – I wish fasting was discussed more and not like highlighted here as badge for those that wish to showcase their faith to others. I try to not share with others when I am as it is very private for me. I understand the ultimate fast is on bread and water which is what I do but as we all know fasting from anything we desire is of value if done with the proper humility and intentions. Thanks for sharing about the Daniel’s Fast – that is certainly something I am checking out. Thank you for the forum.

    Reply

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Hi, my name is Adam Smith and welcome to asmithblog.com. I am the author of the book, The Bravest You. Because of my work as an entrepreneur, consultant, writer, and speaker, I have been named a top industry influencer by American Genius. I live with my wife, Jasmine, and three children in Shenandoah, IA.

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