Fasting
True strength is not measured by dominance over others, but by mastery over one's own self. Fasting brings this truth into sharp focus.
Proverbs 16:32
"Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit is better than one who conquers a city or a nation."
The world often defines strength by what we can conquer outwardly, achievements, victories, visible success. But the Bible reframes strength entirely. According to God, true strength is not measured by dominance over others, but by mastery over one's own self.
Fasting brings this truth into sharp focus.
When we fast, appetites speak loudly. Hunger, irritability, impatience, distraction, things we often manage to mask rises to the surface. This is not failure; it is revelation. Fasting doesn't create weakness, it reveals where strength is still being formed.
Proverbs tells us that self-control is greater than conquering a city or a nation. Why? Because conquering external territory is momentary, but governing the inner self shapes everything. A disciplined spirit positions us to steward influence, relationships, calling, and obedience with integrity.
Self-control is not merely willpower. It is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23). That means it grows as we submit ourselves to God's presence, not as we strive in our own strength. Fasting quiets the flesh so the Spirit can lead. As we say "NO" to legitimate appetites for a period of time, we learn how to say "YES" to God more fully.
The heart is the strongest muscle in a human body. On average, an adult, human heart pumps about 2,000 gallons of blood per day. A gallon of blood weighs 8.3 pounds, which would equal 16,600 pounds of blood pumped every day by a human heart. The jaw muscle is one of the strongest muscles in the human body relative to its size. One of the hardest things to do with your mouth, using your jaw muscle and with your mind is to simply say NO!
It can be very difficult to say NO: NO to temptations; NO to substances, actions or things that can become addictive, such as alcohol, drugs, pornography, sex outside of marriage, video games, smartphones, etc.; NO to being lazy or unproductive; NO to eating food for a while.
During a Fast, God may be inviting you to win battles no one else can see, battles over reactions, words, habits, thoughts, and desires. These victories matter deeply to heaven. They prepare us for greater responsibility and deeper intimacy with God.
You are not losing strength by fasting. You are learning to rule within and that victory is greater than conquering a city or a nation. Jesus fasted before facing Satan's temptations. On every temptation Jesus faced he quoted from the Book of Deuteronomy. Memorizing Scripture without having to look it up is a powerful and effective way to help you in all of life's trials and temptations. You can do it too, just like Jesus did! If you memorize Scripture and use it when you face any trial or temptation in life, it will strengthen you far beyond your own physical, fleshly powers!