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 KJV
In our lifetime there will be someone, be it a family member or a very close friend, who may need some financial assistance.
For some it may feel like a burden, especially when they have their own unexpected expenses.
Being grateful for God’s provisions and how others may have helped us in a time of need, we try to assist them in some way.
Blessed by the gratitude we truly see in their faces.
For some helping others is not a big deal, but for God it is.
That is the point that the Prophet Isaiah was making to the nation of Israel.
Although the people were fasting, they were still arguing and fighting.
They felt that they had been doing everything right and that it was going unnoticed. Wanting to know why he wasn’t impressed (Isaiah 58:2-3 NLT).
Isaiah asked them, “Do you really think this will please the LORD?” (Isaiah 58:5 NLT).
He told them, “No, this is the kind of fasting I want: Free those who are wrongly imprisoned; lighten the burden of those who work for you. Let the oppressed go free, and remove the chains that bind people. Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help” (Isaiah 58:6-7 NLT).
He was telling them what true fasting means.
That they needed to be the one who believes and is merciful, which is more acceptable to God than just fasting.
That when they do this, their “salvation will come like the dawn, and your wounds will quickly heal (v. 8 NIV).
Making sacrifices allows us to share in God’s light.
The light that heals us from the times when we fail to heed the Words of the Lord. (v. 8 NLT).
When we look at the situations that any of us can find ourselves in, let us look at the ways we can still be generous to others and still manage our finances and belongings in a positive way.
Remember that this was God’s promise to us for being generous:
“Your godliness will lead you forward, and the glory of the LORD will protect you from behind (v.8 NLT).
When we bless others, He will always be there to provide us with what we need.
A WORD OF PRAYER
Father, we know that fasting is good for the soul. But to truly be what You desire in our lives; we must also be loving and merciful to one another while we are doing it. That is why we must follow Your guide. Kindness and charity are what strengthens our bodies, minds, and souls. Our good works will bring us the blessings You desire for us. Continue to light our paths of generosity Lord and help us to always give like You have given to us. We want to follow Your lead.
In Jesus Name We Pray, Amen