Fasting: Generosity and Fasting for Others


Isaiah 58:6-7: "Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?  Is it not to share your food with the hungry and provide the poor wanderer with shelter?"

Even though this is a secondary purpose of fasting, Isaiah writes that one benefit is that it teaches us to be willing to sacrifice.  Isaiah was willing to fast and do without certain things so that needs around him could be met.  Fasting led to generosity in his life.

For us, fasting from a meal could mean that we still buy the meal and give it to someone in need.  Fasting from an hour of sleep could result in a extra hour that we dedicate towards service to others.  Fasting from a latte each week could result in an extra $20/month to go towards an identified need around you.  All the while, we're praying that God would teach us through these sacrifices and open up doors for the Gospel as a result of our decisions.

I'm praying that fasting would establish roots in our daily lives as we choose to "do without something" in order to help meet needs around us.

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