Have you ever prayed constantly about a trial you were facing? Did you ever extend your prayers to fasting as well out of desperation for God to intervene? The people of Israel did so, but God didn’t respond to their pleas because their motives were wrong.   Isaiah explains to the Israelites that their double-minded ways have hindered God from answering their pleas. The Israelites claimed to desire to know God and performed the outward duties of fasting and serving God through sacrifice, but not full heartedly. You see, they kept their traditions, but as soon as they did their spiritual duties, they went back to the sins they were committing: fighting with others, oppressing their employees, neglecting the less fortunate, etc. God saw their heart and recognized that their daily actions were not in line with their lip service.   Are you fasting but still holding on to sin? Are you fasting but so busy with work or other activities that all you do is give up food but never really pray or take the time to seek out God? Are you fasting because you feel obligated to? God wants our whole heart. When we serve him half-heartedly, we should not expect to receive any answer to our prayers. When we make God a priority and submit to his Spirit’s leading, God will answer our pleas because these will be aligned with his perfect will.

Dear Lord, change my heart to desire you from my inward being. Take away all the sin that is a barrier to communication with you. And give me the ability to serve you in all things. Amen.

Throughout This Day: Take time to discover if there are any areas where you are serving God half-heartedly. Invite the Spirit to change your heart and set up a plan to begin working with him on the issues that are keeping you from God.



Tags: Daily Devotional Isaiah 58
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