Now that you have started The Daniel Fast, it’s important to remember why you are doing it. There are several reasons to fast, but the reason many do it is for a breakthrough. A breakthrough can mean different things for different people depending on what is important to you at any given time. You could be praying for a breakthrough in your relationships that God will bring your future spouse into your life. Maybe you’re going through a rough period in your marriage and are looking for this season to pass. Perhaps you’ve had to make a career change and you’re trusting it will bear fruit. Maybe your child is now in college and they’re struggling away from home or maybe you’re struggling with your finances.
A breakthrough in these situations may mean a vision from God, an encounter with someone, or the seeds you’ve planted in the past blooming in this season.
Isaiah 58 is a great reminder of this. The verse starts off by giving us several reasons to fast and pray:
3‘Why have we fasted,’ they say, ‘and You have not seen?
Why have we afflicted our souls, and You take no notice?’
“In fact, in the day of your fast you find pleasure,
And exploit all your laborers.
4 Indeed you fast for strife and debate,
And to strike with the fist of wickedness.
You will not fast as you do this day,
To make your voice heard on high.
5 Is it a fast that I have chosen,
A day for a man to afflict his soul?
Is it to bow down his head like a bulrush,
And to spread out sackcloth and ashes?
Would you call this a fast,
And an acceptable day to the Lord?
6 “Is this not the fast that I have chosen:
To loose the bonds of wickedness,
To undo the heavy burdens,
To let the oppressed go free,
And that you break every yoke?
Chapter 7 begins to delve into the things we can do while fasting and praying:
7 Is it not to share your bread with the hungry,
And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out;
When you see the naked, that you cover him,
And not hide yourself from your own flesh?
Have you thought of volunteering at the local shelter or food pantry? Do you have clothes or other items you can give to those who are less fortunate? If so, now is the time to do so. This is another way of planting seeds within your own community and it doesn’t have to be a difficult task. Perhaps you’ve heard of a new mom in the church who needs clothes for her newborn. Maybe there are new graduates in your community that could use some advice on interviewing for jobs or reviewing their resumes. Find a way to be a blessing to others and you will reap the rewards.
8 Then your light shall break forth like the morning,
Your healing shall spring forth speedily,
And your righteousness shall go before you;
The glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.
9 Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer;
You shall cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’
“If you take away the yoke from your midst,
The pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness,
Isaiah 58 reminds us that while we are waiting for a breakthrough, we can continue to share our blessings. What breakthrough are you waiting for? Share in the comments below.
