“And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face.
Matthew 6:16‭-‬17 NLT

Based on these two verses, God expects us to fast. It says when you fast, not if you fast.

Fasting is not meant to test our will power. Fasting focuses our dependence onto God. It deprives our flesh of something and that deprivation is meant to lead us closer to God.

Fasting allows us to hear God a lot more clearly. He may give us instructions on how to grow our business, overcome previous pains, or manage our children, but if we can’t hear Him clearly because our flesh is in the way, we may miss some steps.

Fasting doesn’t release what we’ve been praying for or automatically cause deliverance in our lives. It simply gives us the opportunity to hear God clearly and that clarity may give us the answers we’ve been looking for.

So, whether it’s food, TV, social media, or shopping, fasting is expected and beneficial.