KEY SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 58:6 “Is not this the fast that I have chosen? To lose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?”

In the past few days, we have been looking at encountering the power of God to project God’s work. We saw that fasting and prayer can usher one into the great power of God.

The book of Isaiah chapter 58 (please read all the chapters) was solely devoted to the teaching of fasting having an acceptable fast. In that book, the prophet wrote in verse 3 the following “Wherefore have we fasted say they, and thou seest not?” Wherefore have we afflicted our soul and thou takest no knowledge? Behold in the day of your fast ye find pleasure and exact all your labours”. This was the complaint of God about the wrong ways they fasted

A close study of Isaiah 58 teaches that true fasting does not only involve forsaking your food and doing every other thing as you please. In that chapter, the Holy Spirit said, “People fast, yet they keep the strive and division that exist between them and their neighbours.” It is a big irony to see a husband and wife at longer heads, yet they are all fasting. Some fast yet would not show any kindness to neighbours who are in need. Isaiah 58:4 reads “Behold ye fast for strife and debate and to smite with the fist of wickedness: ye shall not fast as you do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high”.

Fasting is not complete without a kind consideration of the second party. It must be done on God’s terms. Our key scripture shows us that our fast should not only be focused on ourselves but also consider the consideration of those who are in bondage. As we pray for our needs, we must consider those who are in various needs to pray and intercede for them also. True fasting is not a selfish venture. It always seeks the good and deliverance of others. When fasting is done this way, the Lord says in Isaiah 58:10 “And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry and satisfy the afflicted soul: then shall thy light rise in obscurity and thy darkness be as the noonday”.

Do good to others during the period of your fast. Do it in kind or through prayer.

PRAYER

Father, thank you for the revelation of your word. Help all Christians who fast to do it on your terms, not on our terms. This I pray in Jesus’ name.

FURTHER STUDIES.

Isaiah 58:7 “Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? When thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?”

Isaiah 58:8 ” Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rear reward