Fast With A Purpose

Is not this the fast that I have chosen? To loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? 

Isaiah 58:6

I find it ironic how many times we throw our hands up in despair and wonder why God would allow trials and tribulations to ravage our lives. We continually find ourselves complaining and becoming frustrated as we proclaim that we are trying to live a Christian life, but things are just too complicated and are never easy. Isaiah declared to the Israelites the same thing that he declares to us today; God has not caused your pain and chaos, it was of your own doing. The Israelites had become so prideful amongst themselves, they believed that they could just do want they wanted and if things got dicey God would show up and deliver them out of whatever it is they were facing; sound familiar?They remembered slavery in Egypt, they remembered the cloud by day and fire by night, and they remembered the red sea and manna from heaven. They just know that God would always provide for them and never allow them to see pain, even if they deserved it! Sound familiar? Today, Isaiah reminds us that the desires of God are “To loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens…” The plan that God has for creation didn’t involve suffering, it didn’t involve persecution nor did it involve pain; however, through the enticing that is our sinful nature we incurred several complications which caused unnecessary chaos and confusion… This is why our prayers fall on deaf ears, this is why the children of God fasted and the movement of God was not felt… We often times pray about situations and then go on with our lives doing exactly what we are not suppose to do… God desires more than just prayer, He desires more than sackcloth and ashes (which is written in the previous verses of this chapter)… He desires a willingness and determination to bind wickedness; break strongholds and set the captives free… The true fast isn’t simply giving up food for a period of time; it involves a total sacrifice of mind, spirit and body… The true fast is a willingness to completely depend on God to supply all your needs… The children of God had become engulfed with tradition instead of intent which is what so easily besets the church of today… This is why Isaiah is called to remind them of the true fast and what it is that God desires from them… Verse 3 and 4 or our focus chapter today says, “³Why have we fasted, they say, and you have not seen it? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you have not noticed?’ “Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please and exploit all your workers. ⁴ Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife, and in striking each other with wicked fists. You cannot fast as you do today and expect your voice to be heard on high.” The time has come for us to worship God in spirit and in truth… Playing church is no longer a (n) option… Your connection with God is evident in your walk as it will display the traits listed above in the 6^th verse… When you are fasting in total submission to God things will change, lives will be transformed and hearts will be mended… Understand today that what plagued the Israelites back then is what plagues mankind today; we have this false impression that God is a bell-hop waiting at our beaconing call to remove evil and trials from our lives. On contrary, God allows us to go through tough times because we don’t allow Him to guide our lives. Notice the message from Isaiah to God’s children; is this not the fast I have chosen; to loose the wickedness, undo burdens, let oppressed go free, and break every yoke! God has chosen to remove the dominion of wickedness, bare our burdens, and set the captives free. All this was accomplished through the bloodshed of Jesus Christ. He makes it clear in the beginning of this verse that this is what HE has chosen to do, God had a choice, and we have choices. He choose to give us a second chance, He choose to send His son to die that we might live, He choose to clothe is son in imperfection, that we might be perfected! A lot of our burdens are self-inflected; God doesn’t want to see you suffer without the fruits that will promote growth and maturation; so ask yourself today, what is the reasons behind your pain?

ALL FOR HIS GLORY!