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Fasting for Spiritual Breakthrough

by Elmer L. Towns
©1996 by Elmer L. Towns (published by Regal Books)

Fasting is not an end in itself; nor is it more important than doing God’s will. It is not a way to manipulate God or make Him love us more. It is a means by which we can worship God and submit ourselves in humility to Him. One of the greatest spiritual benefits is that those who discipline themselves with fasting become more attentive to God—becoming more aware of our own inadequacies and His adequacy, our own limitations and His all-sufficient power.

The basis for this study is Isaiah 58:6–8, which helps the reader understand not only the kinds of fasts that please God, but the fasts that do not. This passage of Scripture provides a model for the fruits God expects to see from genuine faith and devotion.

Isaiah 58 outlines fasts that:

• Loosen the bonds of wickedness
• Undo heavy burdens
• Let the oppressed go free
• Break every yoke
• Give bread to the hungry and provide the poor with housing
• Allow the people’s light to break forth like the morning
• Cause their health to spring forth speedily
• Cause their righteousness to go before them
• Cause the glory of the Lord to be their rear guard

Towns is thorough in giving the reader a history of fasting, spanning fasting in the Old Testament, fasting in the New Testament, fasting in the Early Church and in revival movements. An entire chapter is given to each of the fasts listed above, including how to prepare for the fast, probing questions you should ask yourself during the fast, and recommended spiritual exercises.

The latter chapters deal with practical issues regarding fasting, such as what to expect physically and spiritually, and how to keep a fasting journal.

PATTY KENNEDY is assistant web content editor for the national Women’s Ministries Department. She also writes book and music reviews for Pages and Tunes, a free e-newsletter provided by the national Women’s Ministries Department.

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