Let’s be honest, fasting—abstaining from food (or anything else)—isn’t fun. But it can be a huge shot in the arm to personal growth, dependence on God, and spiritual breakthrough. After trying fasting for the first time, author Vanessa Parsons experienced such intimacy with God that she has made it a regular spiritual practice in her life. In her article, Vanessa explores what the Bible teaches about fasting, the different types of spiritual fasts, and how it’s transformed her perspective.

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