A glimpse of His heart.

Intentional Fasting for Breakthrough

What have you done for me?
Isaiah 58:7-9

Earlier this year, my family was having several challenges. Three out of five of our adult children were having serious growing pains. I was doing all that I knew to do to help but things continued to worsen. I knew that only God could fix things for them. When I had finally had enough, (which is usually when we give it to God) I decided to go on a three-day liquid only fast. I was determined for God to move on their behalf. I set aside extra time daily for prayer and study along with quiet time to sit in the Lord’s presence and listen to what He had to say to me about their situations. On the third and final day of my fast I was so excited to see how God was going to answer my prayers. During my morning devotion and prayer time I even used the words, “God, I have done all that I know to do, I cannot wait to see what you do.” Then, out of nowhere, I heard that still small voice, “What have you done for me?”  

What? What could He mean? I had humbled myself through fasting. Practically starved to death according to my stomach. I prayed and studied His word for hours and He asks what have I done for Him? Hadn’t I done all the things the bible says to do when your fasting? 

Then, as He always does if you allow Him. He answered by speaking the words of Isaiah 58:7-9 MSG. What I’m interested in seeing you do is: sharing food with the hungry, inviting the homeless and poor into your homes, putting clothes on the shivering ill-clad, being available to your own families. Do this and the lights will turn on, and your lives will turn around at once. Your righteousness will pave your way. The God of glory will secure your passage. Then when you pray, God will answer. You’ll call out for help and I’ll say, ‘Here I am.’

In other words, fasting and personal holiness are acceptable to God only when we have our priorities straight. Clearly mine were not. It cannot be only about me and mine. When I read those verses, it checked me. I had to do something for those closest to Gods heart, the poor, the oppressed and the needy. 

Bruce and I travel frequently, and I always save the mini soaps, shampoos, conditioners, and lotions. I rarely ever use them, but you never know when you may need them. So, on this day, I gathered up all that I had and was able to make up fifty “shower” bags that included scripture mints and tracts that share the love of Jesus then dropped them off anonymously to the local homeless shelter. It is funny because afterwards, the needs I felt that my family had were no longer so important. I genuinely wanted God to move on behalf of every person that may be touched by the simple gift I left at the shelter. 

In the end God did move, and like it so often is, it was not in the way that I prayed or expected. Yes, my children made it through their individual crisis’ but even more so, He moved in me. In this one simple act, God gave me a glimpse of His heart and His desire for those that He loves. And once again, He showed me that His ways are so much greater than our ways. 

Today, Lord I pray that you open my eyes to a greater knowledge of you. Let me lay myself, my needs, and my desires aside and consider the needs of others. Help me to see your heart for your people that I may truly be the hands and feet of Jesus while I am on this earth. 

In Jesus name, Amen. 

Written by: Tracy Sims

Categorised in: Uncategorized

This post was written by Neo Church