Fasting is a spiritual practice the Bible encourages. The Old Testament mentions it many times, as did Jesus.
We often hear and teach that fasting can help us deepen our walk with Christ, but I also believe that leaders should consider fasting to help them lead better. Taken from the book of Isaiah, fasting can bring these eight spiritual benefits to the life of every leader.
The first five verses of Isaiah 58 describe a fast the people had committed to. Although they seemed eager to know God more intimately, they weren’t truly eager for God.
God chastised them for their false humility, and in the verses that follow, I’ve gleaned from God’s response to them these eight positive benefits that fasting offers every leader.
1. The Lord can use it as a tool to free you from personal weaknesses or sin areas.
“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?” (Isa. 58:6)
2. It can help you become a more generous leader.
“Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?” (7)
3. Jesus can bring emotional, relational or even physical healing.
“Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear.” (8)
4. It can help you become more aware of His protection over you as a leader.
“Then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.” (8)
