May 17th, 2025

Richard Foster writes, “More than any other single Discipline, fasting reveals the things that control us. This is a wonderful benefit to the true disciple who longs to be transformed into the image of Jesus Christ. We cover up what is inside us with food and other good things, but in fasting these things surface. If pride controls us, it will be revealed almost immediately…Anger, bitterness, jealousy, strife, fear – if they are within us, they will surface during fasting…We can rejoice in this knowledge because we know that healing is available through the power of Christ.”

“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen…
to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?”

— Isaiah 58:6 (NIV)

Lord, thank You for the discipline of fasting. Through fasting and prayer, You have given us victory over the strongholds in our life. Amen.