Will the fast I choose be like this:  A day for a person to deny himself, to bow his head like a reed, and to spread out sackcloth and ashes? Will you call this a fast and a day acceptable to the LORD? Isn’t this the fast I choose: To break the chains of wickedness, to untie the ropes of the yoke, to set the oppressed free, and to tear off every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your house, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to ignore your own flesh and blood? Then your light will appear like the dawn, and your recovery will come quickly. Your righteousness will go before you, and the LORD’s glory will be your rear guard. At that time, when you call, the LORD will answer; when you cry out, He will say, ‘Here I am’ If you get rid of the yoke among you, the finger-pointing and malicious speaking,     Isaiah 58:5-9 HCSB

Today’s scripture passage is about the Israelites fasting for the wrong reasons and basically just doing it all wrong.  They had been fasting and felt that God had not taken notice of their fasts.  But in this scripture passage, God explains that they have been doing it all wrong.  He explains why we should fast and explains that when we fast for the right reasons, God will notice and will protect us and hear us when we cry out to Him.

The term fasting means to do without something.  It is often used when referring to going without food or eliminating certain food from the diet.  There are different types of fasts.  I first fasted a couple years ago.  This was during a time when I had a great deal of trial and tribulation going on in my life.  I fasted in order to draw closer to God and get a clearer picture of what He wanted me to do or how He wanted me to handle this situation.

We watch young toddlers play and we see that some easily share and some don’t want to share at all.  We look at them and watch the temper tantrums and think, “Wow! If they would only learn to share.”  I wonder how often God looks at us and thinks the very same thing.  Even now looking at my fast that I did a couple years ago, I didn’t do it for anyone else, just for me.  I hoped to draw closer to God and get His advice so that I would know how He wanted me to proceed.  He did tell me how to proceed and I am happy to say that both situations worked out for my good and His glory.  But, as I read this scripture passage this morning, I thought about what I could do if I was willing to give up some things to support some of these ministries even more.   What if I could learn to share?

What if instead of me, me, me, I could think of others first?  What would this world be like if we could all do that?  What if we could all just learn to share our wealth?

Now you may be reading this and think, I am not wealthy I am far from it.  This may be the case.  Perhaps you don’t have much money, but do you have time?  Can you spare a couple hours once or twice a month.  There is another wonderful ministry here in our area which provides meals.  They are in need of people to help out in preparing meals, food boxes and handing these out.

These ministries were started because someone had drawn close to God and realized the work it was that He was calling them to do.  They shared that vision with others and others shared what they had to make it work.

We are told in this scripture passage that if we do good to others that God will be our rear guard.  He will hear our cry and answer us.  We are all put here for a purpose.  It’s not to just sit around and look pretty.  When we listen to God and fulfill the purpose that He has for us, he will listen to us and be there to guide and protect us.  Believe me, we get the best end of that deal.

So today, perhaps God is calling you to start a mission or perhaps he’s just calling you to give money or time to one.  Whatever He is calling you to do, do it.  You won’t regret it.  You will get so much back for your investment.

Have a great day!