Tag: Galatians 6:9
Fasting for Healing
Scripture reading for October 9: Isaiah 58:6-8 “”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? 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 hide yourself from your own flesh? 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. Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry, and He will say, “Here I am.””
Galatians 6:9 “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”
Fasting is a spiritual discipline where a person or congregation of God’s people deny themselves food or drink or pleasure for a set season in order to seek the Lord. Some fasts were purposefully laid out by God but others usually had a specific need that was being addressed. Often that need was to hear from the Lord regarding a crisis or needed direction or protection. Isaiah addressed the practice of fasting in his day. People were going through the motions but missed the real point of fasting. God desired repentance–a change of heart and a change of direction of their lives. Fasting should produce actions that lined up with God’s heart. His heart was to feed the hungry and house the homeless. It was to cover the naked and for each person to care for their own family members.
The end result of a true fast is God bringing forth in our lives the needed healing, protection, deliverance or righteousness from His glorious presence. He promised He would answer our call for help with “Here I Am!” What an amazing promise this is for God’s people! As Paul encouraged the church at Galatia, we must continue to do good deeds in line with God’s heart even if nothing seems to be happening for us. In due season, we will reap. Don’t give up!
Prayer: Father God, fill me with Your Holy Spirit today and lead me to live a fasted life filled with good works You have prepared for me. I won’t give up because I know the season of reaping is coming. Amen.