True Fasting & God’s Heart for the Marginalized
Regan Yoakam |
March 4, 2025
In a world filled with distractions, it’s easy to focus on the external—what we give up, how we appear, and whether we’re checking the right spiritual boxes. But what if fasting is about something much deeper?
As we continue our Here I Am series, we’re diving into Isaiah 58, where God redefines what true fasting looks like. It’s not just about abstaining from food or certain comforts—it’s about aligning our hearts with His, stepping into justice, and living out love in tangible ways.
What Does Isaiah 58 Say About True Fasting?
When we think of fasting, we often picture skipping meals or giving something up. But in Isaiah 58, God shows us that fasting is about something much deeper—it’s an invitation to draw closer to Him and let His heart shape our actions.
“Shout with the voice of a trumpet blast. Shout aloud. Don’t be timid. Tell my people Israel of their sins. Yet they act so pious! They come to the temple every day and seem delighted to learn about me.” (Isaiah 58:1-2)
This passage challenges us: Are we just going through religious motions, or are we truly seeking God’s heart? True fasting isn’t about appearances—it’s about transformation.
What Kind of Fasting Does God Desire?
God makes it clear that fasting isn’t just about personal discipline; it’s about justice, mercy, and love in action. He calls His people to a different kind of fast:
“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.” (Isaiah 58:6-7)
This is an invitation to:
- Stand up for justice – Speak up for the oppressed and those in bondage.
- Care for those in need – Provide food, shelter, and support for the vulnerable.
- Live out mercy and compassion – Let love lead our actions, reflecting God’s heart.
- True fasting is about more than what we give up—it’s about what we give out.
The Power of Fasting as a Spiritual Discipline
Fasting isn’t just about sacrifice; it’s about drawing near to God. Jesus emphasized this in Matthew 6:16:
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting.”
This reminds us that fasting should be:
- A time of deepening our relationship with God – Drawing close in prayer and worship.
- A moment for clarity and renewal – Seeking His will in our lives.
- A practice of self-discipline – Learning to rely on Him rather than our comforts.
- When we fast with the right heart, we make space for God to move in powerful ways.
Fasting That Leads to Action
One of the most powerful aspects of fasting is that it cultivates empathy. When we experience hunger, we become more aware of the millions who live in constant need. But awareness alone isn’t enough—God calls us to action.
Here are some practical ways to live out the heart of true fasting:
- Use the money saved from meals to help those in need – Donate to local shelters or food pantries.
- Volunteer your time – Serve in a way that blesses the marginalized in your community.
- Make fasting a lifestyle, not just an event – Look for ongoing ways to practice justice and mercy.
- “If you pour yourselves out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness.” (Isaiah 58:10)
- When we fast as God desires, it doesn’t just change us—it changes the world around us.
Stories of Transformation: Living Out True Fasting
We see this truth lived out in our own community. Just last week, we celebrated sixty-nine baptisms—a testimony to how God is moving in people’s lives! One student shared how the Vineyard became a family when they had nowhere else to turn, proving that faith in action transforms lives.
When we fast with the right heart, we allow God to work through us in ways we never imagined. We become part of His mission, reflecting His love through our actions.
The Blessings of Aligning with God’s Heart
When we embrace true fasting, we step into God’s promises:
“Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.” (Isaiah 58:8-9)
God blesses those who live in alignment with His heart, equipping us to be a light in the world.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways have you been “going through the motions” spiritually? How is God calling you to a deeper, more transformative faith?
- Isaiah 58 emphasizes caring for the oppressed, hungry, and homeless. Who in your community needs support, and how might God be inviting you to take action?
Challenges for the Week
- Fast with purpose – Choose a fast this week (a meal, social media, or another comfort) and use that time to pray for justice and those in need.
- Act on Isaiah 58 – Find one tangible way to serve someone in need—donate a meal, volunteer, or offer support to someone struggling.
- Pray daily for a heart like God’s – Each morning, ask, “Lord, break my heart for what breaks Yours. Show me how to live out Your love today.”