Why You Need a Financial Fast (2024)

Why You Need a Financial Fast (1)The Bible talks about fasting in both the New and Old Testaments.

We read about Nehemiah fasting and praying for the children of Israel because they were in a time of trouble.

Daniel fasted and prayed for three weeks drawing nearer to God.

David fasted and prayed in a time of personal repentance.

Paul and Barnabas fasted and prayed before presenting leaders in the church.

There’s a close relationship between fasting and praying because fasting is a time for you to draw nearer to God. Spending time with God in prayer allows us to hear from him and discern things that may be troubling us.

Jesus spent 40 days in the desert fasting and praying before going into ministry because he knew that it was important.

How much more should we follow his example and fast the things that demand so much of our attention?

What’s a Financial Fast?

The Bible doesn’t limit fasting only to food and drinks. Anything that can be given up temporarily so that we can focus our full attention on God can be viewed as a fast.

Paul references how a husband and wife might abstain from being together for a time (yes, sexually) so they can devote themselves to prayer. So while the Bible doesn’t have a section devoted to a ‘Financial Fast,’ I think the principles can be applied to our finances.

There isn’t a lot of specific material to guide Christians in a financial fast, which is why I wanted to cover it here. Financial fasting isn’t meant to be easy or unintentional – it involves denying yourself so that you can refocus your reliance on Christ.

How to Fast with Your Finances

In holding to the principles of fasting that we see in the Bible, I think we can fast financially by practicing the following:

1. Identify necessities and luxuries.

If you already have a budget, this may be a little easier for you to do. Take some time to really focus your expenses on the things that you have to pay for – items like your house payment, term life insurance, food, etc. If you can go without it (be honest with yourself – eating out, iTunes music, going to the movies, etc) list it as a luxury and do your best to go without purchasing it during your financial fast.

The financial fast is not meant to keep you from enjoying the things you already own. It’s a practice in contentment and reliance on God to be our provider.

2. Resist the temptation to purchase luxuries.

This is the difficult part of the financial fast. It’s so easy to justify small (and sometimes large) purchases for convenience sake or because we feel that we deserve it. Yes, I’m talking about the afternoon trip to the vending machine, the morning Starbucks, and the $1 Redbox movie. The point of a financial fast is to help us to use our money with purpose and to avoid irrational purchases that only inflate our standard of living. It’s challenging and you will notice the sacrifices – which is the point of the financial fast.

3. Focus on contentment, thankfulness, and giving.

While you’re making these financial sacrifices, take a moment to reflect on all that God has blessed you with and learn to be content with what you have. Don’t be tempted to complain about what you can’t buy during the financial fast. Instead, be thankful for all the things you do have.

You may start to see a few extra dollars because of the drop in your spending habits. This is a great thing and should be used as a way to cultivate a spirit of giving. Use the extra funds to bless a ministry in your church, help a friend in need, provide for a family that needs support, or any way that you feel God leading you to give.

4. Grow in prayer.

Throughout your financial fast, prayer should be at the cornerstone of all your decisions. Yes, as Christians we should engage with God as much as possible – but fasting should involve a focused time of prayer to seek God’s will and His direction in your life.

If there was one verse to guide your financial fast, I think it would be this:

Keep your lives free from the love of moneyand be content with what you have, because God has said,“Never will I leave you;never will I forsake you.”So we say with confidence,“The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.What can mere mortals do to me?” Hebrews 13:5-6 NIV

A financial fast is your declaration of freedom from money and acknowledgment of your dependence on God. Whether you practice a financial fast for three days or three weeks, I think it can help you grow spiritually and further your desire to give freely.

Have you ever considered a financial fast? Do you think it would be beneficial? Leave a comment!

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Why You Need a Financial Fast (2024)

FAQs

Why You Need a Financial Fast? ›

Financial fasting is a short-term cleanse for your finances to help you reach your financial goals. Similar to a health cleanse, financial fasting helps reset impulsive habits but with spending instead of food. A financial fast can reevaluate your money behaviors and establish healthy personal finance practices.

What are the financial benefits of fasting? ›

Taking a day or a week off from spending not only frees up cash to pay down debt or add to savings, but can also help you reinvest in your relationships. Here's how to do it.

What is the 21 day financial breakthrough fast? ›

The 21-day financial fast is about preparing yourself to prosper and leaving a legacy for your family that allows them to prosper, too. The fast is also about getting your financial house in order.

Why are financial needs important? ›

Financial needs are essential expenses required to meet basic living standards. For example, you need to make sure your rent is paid and the power is on. Needs include: Debt obligations like student loans, credit cards or mortgage payments.

Why do we need financial freedom? ›

Attaining financial freedom is an objective for many. It involves building enough savings, investments, and cash on hand to live the life you desire and pursue your goals without being tied to a traditional job. Financial freedom means our money is working for us rather than the other way around.

What does a 72 hour fast do to your body? ›

Fasting for 72 hours, also known as a three-day water fast, can have various effects on the body. Initially, your body will utilise stored glycogen for energy, leading to a decrease in blood sugar levels. As the fast continues, the body shifts into ketosis, burning fat for fuel.

What are 3 major benefits of fasting? ›

Intermittent Fasting Benefits

One of Mattson's studies published in the New England Journal of Medicine revealed data about a range of health benefits associated with the practice. These include a longer life, a leaner body and a sharper mind.

What are the rules for the 21 day fast? ›

The Daniel Fast is a widely utilized fast based on the Biblical book of Daniel. It involves a 21 day ad libitum food intake period, devoid of animal products and preservatives, and inclusive of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds.

What is the biblical significance of a 21 day fast? ›

In Daniel 10, he also spends 21 days fasting and praying, to humble himself before God and receive understanding. We take part in the Daniel Fast as a church to renew and refocus our spiritual commitment to God through prayer and dependance on Him.

What made Daniel Fast for 21 days? ›

The Daniel Fast is a healthy, 21-day fast, based on the Old Testament story of Daniel, who rejected the king's rich food in order to honor God's best for him and his friends.

What is the 50/30/20 rule? ›

The rule is to split your after-tax income into three categories of spending: 50% on needs, 30% on wants, and 20% on savings. 1. This intuitive and straightforward rule can help you draw up a reasonable budget that you can stick to over time in order to meet your financial goals.

What is the best way to avoid running out of money too quickly? ›

8 ways to save money quickly
  1. Change bank accounts. ...
  2. Be strategic with your eating habits. ...
  3. Change up your insurance. ...
  4. Ask for a raise—or start job hunting. ...
  5. Consider a side hustle. ...
  6. Take advantage of a credit card that offers rewards. ...
  7. Switch up your transportation habits. ...
  8. Cancel subscriptions you don't really need or use.

What is the 40 30 20 10 rule? ›

The most common way to use the 40-30-20-10 rule is to assign 40% of your income — after taxes — to necessities such as food and housing, 30% to discretionary spending, 20% to savings or paying off debt and 10% to charitable giving or meeting financial goals.

How much money do you need to be financially free? ›

The cost of living comfortably: On average, Americans feel they'd need to earn over $186,000 to feel financially secure or comfortable, a 20 percent drop from 2023 but still more than two times what the average full-time, year-round worker earned in 2022 (about $79,000), according to Census Bureau data.

How to become financially free in 5 years? ›

A great way to spend less is to pay yourself first. This means when your money comes in (after you've paid your essential bills and outgoings, of course), you put the amount that you've set for your financial freedom goals into savings or debt payments before anything else. Invest in yourself before you treat yourself.

How to become wealthy? ›

How to Get Rich
  1. Start saving early.
  2. Avoid unnecessary spending and debt.
  3. Save 15% or more of every paycheck.
  4. Increase the money that you earn.
  5. Resist the desire to spend more as you make more money.
  6. Work with a financial professional with the expertise and experience to keep you on track.

What are the super benefits of fasting? ›

It improves insulin sensitivity, aids weight loss through ketosis, and enhances cognitive function. Fasting also reduces inflammation, benefits heart and immune health, and promotes hormonal balance. Fasting has been practiced for centuries for various reasons, including religious, cultural, and health purposes.

What are 10 benefits of fasting? ›

Top 10 Benefits of 36-Hour Fasting
  • Enhanced Weight Management. ...
  • Improved Insulin Sensitivity. ...
  • Boosted Brain Function. ...
  • Increased Growth Hormone Production. ...
  • Detoxification. ...
  • Enhanced Heart Health. ...
  • Promotion of Longevity. ...
  • Reduced Inflammation.
May 16, 2024

What are the scientifically proven benefits of fasting? ›

Early results have found that some types of fasting may have positive effects on aspects of health like blood sugar control, blood pressure, and. inflammation . But fasting can also cause weight loss.

What is the most beneficial form of fasting? ›

Intermittent fasting is hailed by many as the new mantra of weight loss, disease prevention, and reversal of aging. Though this method has produced positive health benefits for many, it is better to discuss any radical changes in your diet with your doctor before starting it.

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