'why have we fasted and you have not seen? why have we afflicted our souls and you take no notice?' -Isaiah 58:3
There are times in life when we look up to God for a miracle or want Him to grant a request. We then resort to intense prayers and fasting. This is a commendable approach to take for the Lord emphasized the importance of this. However,
it may then be that after weeks and maybe months of fasting that nothing seemed to have happened. This was the predicament of the children of Israel at a time, hence their lamentation in Isaiah 58:3. Dear brethren, the practice of fasting on many occasions goes beyond the act of just going without food or water. In response to the plight of Israel at the time, the Lord was quick to correct them when He said; 'Is this not the fast that I have chosen: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke?' - Isaiah (58:6 )
The one who is fasting and still quarreling or keeping malice with his neighbor, cannot please God. Fasting is ineffective when sin still abounds in a persons life. The Lord says we must break every yoke including the yoke of iniquity. The type of fasting that the Lord demands; 'Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out; when you see the naked, that you cover him and not hide yourself from your own flesh?'- Isaiah (58:7)
When we fast in this manner, the Lord promises; 'then your light shall break forth like the morning, your healing shall spring forth speedily, and your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry and He will say "Here I am".- Isaiah (58:8-9)
Finally, let us try to conduct our fasting in the manner that the Lord expects according to his Word in Isaiah (58: 7-11). when we do so, we will see the much desired results as He has promised.
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