Episode 11 – Feasting on God: The Spiritual Purpose of Fasting

Fasting isn't punishment—it's making space. Brian Myers and Derrick Scott III welcome Rev. Carlene Barbeau, an ordained deacon in the Florida Conference and school chaplain for a conversation about the spiritual purpose of this ancient practice. Together they explore what separates spiritual fasting from dieting, unpack Isaiah 58's vision of fasting joined to justice and mercy, and share personal stories of transformation—from workplace prayer meetings to a Lenten fast from anger that brought unexpected healing. With Lent approaching, this episode offers practical wisdom for choosing a fast aligned with your season, maintaining healthy guardrails, and celebrating the feast that awaits on the other side. Show Notes: 03:45 Carlene defines spiritual fasting: taking something off your overflowing plate so God can put what God wants there instead. 08:38 Isaiah 58 reframes fasting—not about looking deprived, but about freeing the oppressed, sharing food with the hungry, and turning our eyes from ourselves toward God and community. 12:59 Carlene shares two transformative fasts: the Daniel fast that taught her to see God's provision in every meal, and the Lenten fast from anger that healed a broken relationship with her father. 17:50 Guardrails for healthy fasting: choosing something genuinely challenging without becoming a martyr, and recognizing when the fast itself becomes an idol. 27:45 After the fast comes the feast—celebrating in community and sharing testimony of what God revealed during the season of surrender. 33:09 Final encouragement: you cannot fail at a fast. If you prayed one extra moment, it's a success. In this episode, Brian Myers, Rev. Jenn Stiles Williams, and Derrick Scott III explore service as a means of grace — not an optional add-on to faith, but the very shape of it. Drawing on John 13, Matthew 25, James 2, and Wesley's theology of works of mercy, the conversation traces how serving others moves us from self-centeredness to other-centeredness, challenges our privilege and ego, and ultimately forms us in the likeness of Christ. From the foot-washing table to the food pantry, they offer a practical framework for discovering your unique calling to serve — and remind us that sometimes, the most sacred act is simply taking out the trash. 0:11 — Service as a Wesleyan means of grace 4:48 — John 13: Jesus's foot-washing as a paradigm shift for leadership 10:14 — Personal Sanctification: Why we need those we serve 13:08 — The Savior Complex: How service transforms the servant's heart 22:00 — Finding Your Calling: Gifts, burdens, place, and rhythm 27:13 — Opening the Door: Faithful service in the small, disruptive moments For more information on the year-long Awaken to Grace series, visit awakentograce.org. Produced by Wesley's Revival, a ministry of Studio Wesley. Original music by the Institute for Modern Worship.