GrowLeader Podcast Episode 91 | Fasting for Breakthrough - Chris Hodges

Release Date: January 19, 2026
Host: Chris Hodges (with brief introduction by Matt)

Episode Overview

This episode dives into the biblical principles, spiritual significance, and practical application of fasting, particularly as a means for attaining spiritual breakthrough. Pastor Chris Hodges addresses common misconceptions, answers key questions about fasting, and explores five specific types of fasts found in the Bible. Through teaching, personal stories, and real-world applications, listeners are equipped and inspired to embrace fasting as a rhythm for spiritual growth and leadership.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Biblical Foundation and Misconceptions of Fasting

[01:07 - 06:20]

• Fasting is mentioned over 75 times in the Bible, yet is often misunderstood by Christians across denominations.
• Jesus assumed fasting would be a regular practice among his followers (referencing Matthew 9 and Matthew 17).
  • Quote: "So he says, soon as I go, I want you to fast." (Chris Hodges, 02:10)
• Fasting is always meant to be paired with prayer, not merely abstention from food for self-improvement.
  • Quote: "A diet changes the way you look, but a fast will change the way you see." (Chris Hodges, 05:00)
• Early Church regularly combined fasting and prayer for commissioning and decision-making.
• Fasting is not a burden; it's an invitation to greater intimacy with God and clarity in decision-making.

2. The Purpose and Spiritual Mechanics of Fasting

[06:21 - 14:50]

• Fasting is not punishment or earning God’s favor; Christ's sacrifice is complete.
  • Quote: "You never have to pay for anything ever again with God to get God's favor on your life. He’s not looking for that. Fasting isn’t about punishing the body. It’s about putting every part of us in its proper place." (Chris Hodges, 06:50)
• Humans are triune beings: Body (fleshly appetites), Soul (mind, will, emotions), Spirit (God-connecting part).
  • Whichever 'part' is strongest rules your life.
  • Fasting is “denying the fleshly appetites and reordering desires” so the spirit can become more responsive to God.
  • Quote: "The one that is fed is the one that is in charge... And whatever ones are starved become the weakest." (Chris Hodges, 13:15)
• Fasting accelerates spiritual transformation (“puts it on hyperdrive”).
• Fasting can be about denying more than food—soul-level appetites like media, entertainment, or other cravings.

3. When and How to Fast (Practical Guidance)

[14:51 - 24:05]

• While 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting is a signature annual rhythm at Church of the Highlands, personal and situational fasting is encouraged year-round, even if just a day or for a special situation.
• Types of Fast:
  • Complete/Total Fast: Only water or juices.
  • Selective Fast: Abstain from specific foods or meals (e.g., skipping certain meals, giving up sugar).
  • Soul Fast: Abstain from things that feed the soul (e.g., social media, Netflix); not just about food.
    • Quote: "For some of you, like, you need to get off of all media for these 21 days. There is no Netflix, or I’m not gonna watch... we’re not looking for easy. And you shouldn’t expect it to be easy." (Chris Hodges, 21:10)
• Medical and practical caution: Seek medical guidance for extended fasts, and focus on the spiritual rather than heroic extremes.
• Don’t let slip-ups bring shame; jump in wherever you can.

4. Five Biblical Reasons to Fast (Five Kinds of Fasts)

[24:06 - 48:40]

a) The Disciples’ Fast – Freedom from Bondage

• Derived from Matthew 17, for breaking persistent sin or spiritual bondage.
  • Quote: "Some strongholds only break when you fast and pray. You need to know that, and fasting truly is one of the best ways." (Chris Hodges, 27:27)
• Memorable story: A young man at Highlands decided to fast marijuana, resulting in permanent freedom.
• Reference to Isaiah 58 – fasting breaks every yoke of bondage.

b) The Ezra Fast – Restoration of What’s Been Stolen

• Based on Ezra 8, for regaining what the enemy has taken (e.g., family, possessions, health).
• Practical story: Woman believed for children during a fast and ended up conceiving (and later had four sons).
  • Quote: "God opened up her womb and what was stolen had been restored back to her. Beautiful story." (Chris Hodges, 33:10)

c) The Paul Fast – Wisdom for the Future

• Based on Acts 9, for clarity in major decisions.
• Personal story: During a season of confusion, Chris committed to a water-only fast; received an “open vision” that shaped the future of the church.
• Quote: "If there’s any one thing that I’ve fasted for the most, it would be wisdom for the future during a transition process." (Chris Hodges, 37:00)

d) The Daniel Fast – Victory over the Enemy

• From Daniel 10, associated with 21 days, for spiritual warfare and breakthrough in unseen realms.
• Daniel denied himself 'choice foods', aligning with a spirit of humility and dependence.
  • Emphasis: "There is a war going on in a realm you cannot see." (Chris Hodges, 42:00)
• The fast released angelic help and clarity for Daniel.

e) The Samuel Fast – Revival for the Nation

• Based on 1 Samuel 7, for national and corporate revival.
• Story of Samuel leading Israel in repentance and fasting, followed by God’s intervention.
• US history example: Abraham Lincoln called the nation to four fasts during the Civil War, followed by significant national blessing and "the birth of Birmingham."
  • Quote: "The leading demographic in the church now...20-year-old males. What’s that all about? We’re seeing the first drops of revival." (Chris Hodges, 45:45)
• The Samuel fast involves repentance for personal and corporate/national sin, including “sins you didn’t personally commit but your nation has.”

Noteworthy Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On motivation:
  "If you’re just gonna fast because you gained a lot of weight over Christmas... you don’t need a fast, you need a diet. You need Jenny Craig... a diet changes the way you look, but a fast will change the way you see." (Chris Hodges, 05:00)
• On triune being:
  "Whichever one is the strongest of the three is gonna rule your life." (Chris Hodges, 12:41)
• On overcoming shame and slip-ups:
  "If you’ve already messed up, I’m sorry, God. Jump in. He forgets it. You can move on, everybody." (Chris Hodges, 19:05)
• On the seriousness and impact of fasting:
  "We’re not looking for easy. And you shouldn’t expect it to be easy... The devil’s gonna attack you... and you’re gonna think you’re dying. You’re not. You’re gonna be just fine." (Chris Hodges, 21:10)
• On praying for national revival:
  "That’s why probably the best fasting one is this, that if you’ll pray now... people called by my name will fast and pray, seek my face, turn from your wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven... forgive your sin and heal your land." (Chris Hodges, 48:10)

Important Segment Timestamps

• 01:07 – Introduction to fasting in scripture and Jesus’ teachings.
• 06:21 – Explanation of the triune nature and its relevance to fasting.
• 13:15 – Principle: the strongest part rules your life; fasting builds up the spirit.
• 14:51 – When and how to fast practically; different fasting models explained.
• 24:06 – Five reasons/types of biblical fasting begin.
  • 27:27 – Disciples’ Fast: story of spiritual breakthrough.
  • 33:10 – Ezra Fast: story of restoration.
  • 37:00 – Paul Fast: seeking wisdom and direction; personal vision.
  • 42:00 – Daniel Fast: spiritual warfare and victory, the 21-day precedent.
  • 45:45 – Samuel Fast: seeking revival; historical anecdotes.
• 48:10 – Closing prayer and invocation for the fasting season.

Conclusion & Final Blessing

Chris Hodges closes the episode with a powerful multi-faceted prayer, asking for:

• Freedom from addiction and bondage
• Restoration of what’s been stolen
• Wisdom for significant future decisions
• Victory over the enemy
• Revival in the nation and the world

Tone: Uplifting, practical, candidly humorous, and passionately pastoral—Chris encourages listeners to embrace fasting for both personal renewal and broader spiritual impact.

For those exploring fasting, this episode provides clear biblical grounding, compelling personal and corporate applications, and accessible ways to step into a new spiritual season with faith and expectation.