Let's Talk Coaching!
Are you ready to close the gap between where you are and where you feel called to go? Whether you're stuck on what's next … need a shot of encouragement … or have some past hurts that need tending, I'd be honored to serve as your coach as you work through this season. Schedule a call today to unlock your next breakthrough!
https://calendly.com/annahmclaughlin/coaching-curiosity-call
If you have questions before booking the curiosity call, feel free to message me at 704.810.1181 or on Instagram at @sheconsidersafield!
Episode Summary
Anna explores the practice of fasting - not as a rigid rule, but as a personal invitation to draw closer to God. She walks through the biblical foundation of fasting, shares what Scripture says about how and when to fast, and opens up about some of her own most meaningful fasting experiences, including a 40-day fast that she believes helped bring her husband into her life.
Key Points
The Hebrew word for fasting (tsum) literally means "to cover the mouth" — it's rooted in physical denial, not just giving something up spiritually
The only direct Old Testament mandate to fast is the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16), now fulfilled in Christ
Jesus assumes his followers will fast (Matthew 6:16) — he just reframes the heart behind it
Isaiah 58 is the clearest picture of what God actually wants in a fast: justice, generosity, and outward love — not just personal piety
Fasting is most powerful when you feel stuck, anxious, or like you're not breaking through in prayer
It's not a magic trick — it's submission. As C.S. Lewis puts it, we don't pray to change God's mind; he changes ours
Anna's practical tip: try a dinner-to-dinner fast (e.g., 5pm to 5pm) as a gentler entry point
A fast doesn't have to be food — but true fasting in Scripture is physical denial
Scriptures Referenced
Leviticus 16:29 — The Day of Atonement fast
Luke 5 — The Pharisees question Jesus about fasting; the Bridegroom passage
Matthew 6:16–18 — Jesus on how to fast (secretly, joyfully)
Ecclesiastes 9:7–9 — Anoint your head, enjoy life
Isaiah 58 — God's vision of a true fast
Isaiah 59 — The Lord's hand is not too short to save
Daniel 1 — The Daniel fast (fruits, vegetables, water)
2 Samuel 12 — David fasting over his ill child
Leave a Review — Enjoying the show? A review helps more people find it - and we appreciate it SO much! Overwhelmed to Overcomer - Podcast - Apple Podcasts
Book a Curiosity Call — Want someone walking alongside you as you learn to trust the Holy Spirit's leading? Book here! https://calendly.com/annahmclaughlin/coaching-curiosity-call
Just Like Paradise — Are you looking for your next beach getaway? We'd love to host you at Just Like Paradise in Oak Island, NC! See if our space fits your needs here: airbnb.com/h/justlikeparadise ... and then contact me on Instagram @sheconsidersafield or at 704.810.1181 for 10% off your stay!
Referral gift — AND....... refer a friend who books a stay with us at Just Like Paradise ... we'll send you $100 cash as a thank you!
MUSIC CREDITS
Theme music: Brave New World
ASLC-1BEF9A9E-9E9D609662
Artist: Fantoms
Inspiring Hopeful
Audio source: Jamendo
Artist: Aliaksei Yukhnevich
ASLC-2B505EF3-E9CD4817A6
