“Is this not the fast which I choose,
To loosen the bonds of wickedness,
To undo the bands of the yoke,
And to let the oppressed go free
And break every yoke?”
Isaiah 58:6
I have such a heart for our country. It was founded on godly values and its people sought to live in accordance with biblical principles. Sadly, America today seems interested in moving away from those values and principles, seeking to solve its problems and chase after their dreams on their own. If the nation is to ever return to its biblical principles, I am convinced we need more churches to fast on its behalf.
Fasting is the deliberate abstinence from some form of physical gratification, for a period of time, in order to achieve a greater spiritual goal. Fasting usually involves setting aside food, although we can fast from any physical appetite, including sex within marriage. Another thing we could fast from are the hours we spend watching television or surfing the Internet. The idea is to devote the time we would ordinarily spend on these activities to prayer and waiting before the Lord.
According to Isaiah 58:4, the purpose of fasting is “to make your voice heard on high.” If we want to experience spiritual breakthrough for ourselves, it helps to get God’s attention. But, this purpose is not limited to just individuals; collective fasting holds similar effectiveness for communities or nations seeking their own breakthrough.
There are two reasons we need to fast for our nation. First, Satan seeks our destruction. Second, we need protection from evil people who are being used by Satan to carry out his agenda. Therefore, when we engage the church in a fast together, we will begin the process of becoming equipped to fortify and strengthen our great land against our spiritual enemy. Through a collective time of fasting and praying, we are appealing to a greater power, and God has the ability to rearrange circumstances.
So take some time to pray for national revival, which will take more churches engaged in the sacrificial act of fasting, committed to bringing the nation to its spiritual knees before Almighty God.
