The Fasting that God has Chosen
So, how does fasting God's way look like? I guess I could just say, "Oh, everything opposite to my previous blog" and leave it at that. But I am not doing that. So, let us see what God says in the Bible.
Wow, when I read the very first verse, I have a mental image of all chains breaking loose, and the power of freedom swooping on me. I mean, God desires to free His children from any bondage or addiction that harms their being. This should come as a relief to anything that might be oppressing a believer. God's Word is the axe needed to chop away at the roots of wickedness and sin.
2. Fasting time is Repentance-time: Reflect on God's love and mercy, and show compassion to others.
It is not a time to indulge in self. Oh no..not the time to hoard on foodstuffs or clothes. In fact, the prophet Isaiah being God's mouthpiece informs that we should show compassion to those in need. Our time of repentance before God and reflection on His love and mercy towards us is a great impetus to show our love and compassion to those in need. And for a start, they might just be our own family and friends.
3. Fasting time is Delight-time: God's Presence + our faith in Him = Powerful, delightful, honorable blessings.
Okay, I need to hear that Hallelujah! at this juncture. Seriously, what do you expect? If fasting is done at the foot of the cross of Jesus, then surely God promises to exalt the humble (1 Peter 5:6). Basically, if believers bow their head before the Lord Jesus, their head will be raised up amidst the gloom and darkness, amidst the wickedness and injustice, amidst oppression and depression. Our heads will be raised up during the time of obedience.
Not only that, God will guide His people with clarity, honor His children as we Rest in His Presence. We would see the Light! Don't even be surprised when prayers are answered and blessings overflow in our lives.
Plan to fast regularly, not feast daily. And interestingly, the passage above does not speak of weight loss:-). Fasting God's way affects our mind, heart and soul.
In Delight-time with God,
Rachel
Isaiah 58:6 "Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? 7 Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh? 8 Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard. 9 Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer; you shall cry, and he will say, 'Here I am.' If you take away the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness, 10 if you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday. 11 And the LORD will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. 12 And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in.
13 "If you turn back your foot from the Sabbath, from doing your pleasure on my holy day, and call the Sabbath a delight and the holy day of the LORD honorable; if you honor it, not going your own ways, or seeking your own pleasure, or talking idly; 14 then you shall take delight in the LORD, and I will make you ride on the heights of the earth; I will feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.
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1. Fasting time is Freeing-time: Enjoy the Grace!
Wow, when I read the very first verse, I have a mental image of all chains breaking loose, and the power of freedom swooping on me. I mean, God desires to free His children from any bondage or addiction that harms their being. This should come as a relief to anything that might be oppressing a believer. God's Word is the axe needed to chop away at the roots of wickedness and sin.2. Fasting time is Repentance-time: Reflect on God's love and mercy, and show compassion to others.
It is not a time to indulge in self. Oh no..not the time to hoard on foodstuffs or clothes. In fact, the prophet Isaiah being God's mouthpiece informs that we should show compassion to those in need. Our time of repentance before God and reflection on His love and mercy towards us is a great impetus to show our love and compassion to those in need. And for a start, they might just be our own family and friends.
3. Fasting time is Delight-time: God's Presence + our faith in Him = Powerful, delightful, honorable blessings.
Okay, I need to hear that Hallelujah! at this juncture. Seriously, what do you expect? If fasting is done at the foot of the cross of Jesus, then surely God promises to exalt the humble (1 Peter 5:6). Basically, if believers bow their head before the Lord Jesus, their head will be raised up amidst the gloom and darkness, amidst the wickedness and injustice, amidst oppression and depression. Our heads will be raised up during the time of obedience.
Not only that, God will guide His people with clarity, honor His children as we Rest in His Presence. We would see the Light! Don't even be surprised when prayers are answered and blessings overflow in our lives.
Plan to fast regularly, not feast daily. And interestingly, the passage above does not speak of weight loss:-). Fasting God's way affects our mind, heart and soul.
In Delight-time with God,
Rachel
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