I Fasted From Food For 40 Days (it changed my life)

Summary

Broc Saeger describes fasting as a Christian spiritual practice—not a way to earn God’s favor, but a way to set aside ordinary comforts and redirect attention toward prayer and communion with God. He says fasting can help quiet physical desires and make it easier for him to focus on what he believes God is saying.

After earlier, shorter fasts and a 21-day fast, Saeger recounts feeling led to undertake a 40-day liquid fast. During the fast, he prayed, read Scripture, worshipped, journaled, and took communion daily. He describes resisting the urge to eat a doughnut on the eighth day and credits his faith and reverence for God with helping him continue.

Saeger says the experience deepened his sense of closeness to God and strengthened his confidence in hearing God. He cautions, however, against expecting specific material outcomes.

Strategies and Advice

• Treat fasting as a spiritual focus, not a transaction. Seek intimacy with God rather than fasting to guarantee a result or attract attention.
• Replace, rather than merely remove. If setting aside activities such as watching TV or scrolling, use that time for prayer, worship, sermons, or reading Scripture.
• Clarify the purpose and plan. Before beginning, pray about the kind and duration of the fast and its purpose. Saeger recommends naming the fast to keep its purpose clear.
• Use discernment and confirmation. Ask for guidance, especially for longer fasts, while using wisdom and not assuming every impression is a command.
• Journal. Write daily about the fast, prayers, experiences, and reflections to remember what happened and notice patterns.
• Turn to spiritual practices when struggling. Pray, worship, and read Scripture when hunger or temptation becomes difficult.
• Be attentive and receptive. Listen for God rather than assuming fasting will make God speak louder.
• Bring personal concerns to God. Pray about insecurities or other worries that arise during a fast.

Safety note: The video presents a personal religious testimony, not medical guidance. A 40-day fast—even one involving liquids—can be dangerous. Anyone considering fasting from food should consult a qualified health professional, particularly before attempting an extended fast.

Presenters and Sources Mentioned

• Presenter: Broc Saeger, of The Spiritual Wrap-Up
• Other sources: An unnamed mentor; biblical references to 1 Corinthians 12, John 3:30, and Isaiah 58; and teachings or examples associated with Paul, Jesus, Moses, Daniel, and Ezra.