What if I told you that many common beliefs about fasting aren’t even biblical? Many Christians approach fasting with the wrong expectations, following religious traditions instead of God’s actual Word. Today, I’m exposing three dangerous lies Christians often believe about fasting—lies that could hold you back from experiencing the full power of fasting in your life. Stick with me because the third one is incredibly common, yet completely unbiblical. By the end of this, you’ll understand how to fast God’s way and truly experience his breakthrough.

Lie #1: Fasting Makes God Answer Your Prayers Faster

I understand why many believers think fasting speeds up answered prayer. Some see fasting as spiritual leverage—like if they fast, God is compelled to move quicker on their behalf. But that’s not how fasting works.

God isn’t up in heaven saying, “I planned to wait a month to answer you, but since you skipped breakfast, I’ll speed things up.” Fasting isn’t about manipulating God or twisting his arm. Instead, fasting aligns you more closely with God’s will. It changes you and your circumstances, rather than changing God.

Consider Daniel 10, where Daniel fasted and prayed for 21 days. When the angel finally arrived, he told Daniel, “From the first day you set your heart to understand, your words were heard, and I have come because of your words” (Daniel 10:12). The answer was already dispatched from heaven on day one. Daniel’s fasting wasn’t about convincing God to act quicker—it helped him persist in faith through spiritual resistance.

If you’re fasting solely to get answers faster, you’re missing the real purpose. Fasting is about deepening your relationship with God, increasing your spiritual sensitivity, and strengthening your faith.

Lie #2: Fasting Always Has To Be Done in Secret

Before you quote Matthew 6:16-18, where Jesus warns against fasting publicly like hypocrites, let’s understand the context. Jesus wasn’t saying no one can ever know about your fast—he was addressing hypocrisy and pride. The Pharisees fasted publicly to appear more holy and impress others. Their hearts weren’t seeking God, just recognition.

Yet, Scripture shows many instances of public or corporate fasting:

• In Joel 2, God commands a corporate fast, calling the entire community together.
• Esther asked her people to fast openly for deliverance.
• The early church regularly fasted together for guidance.

Clearly, there are times when fasting can and should be a corporate activity. The point Jesus was making is about motivation. If you’re fasting with humility, your reward remains intact, whether others know or not. True fasting isn’t about performance—it’s about genuine pursuit of God.

Lie #3: Fasting Can Be Anything—Even Social Media

This is a big one. Many believers today say things like, “I’m fasting social media,” or “I’m fasting TV, sugar, or coffee.” But here’s a shocking truth: Biblical fasting is always about abstaining from food.

While cutting distractions like social media or entertainment can certainly be beneficial spiritually, it’s not biblical fasting. Fasting, in Scripture, consistently involves the denial of physical nourishment. If you’ve been “fasting” social media, I want to challenge you—this might not be fasting as the Bible defines it.

If you want to dive deeper into why fasting social media isn’t the same as biblical fasting, check out my video, “Stop Fasting Social Media! Do THIS Instead…”

By confronting these three common lies, I pray you’ll approach your fasting with renewed understanding and power. Fasting God’s way positions you for supernatural breakthroughs and deeper intimacy with him. Don’t settle for tradition—seek transformation.

If you’re ready to ensure your fasting is truly effective, I’ve put together a FREE Fasting Starter Kit to guide you with biblical insights and practical steps. You can also heck out my book, “A Complete Guide to Biblical Fasting,” for even deeper insights.