Why We Fast

Pastor Kevin challenged our church to join in a 7-week fast leading up to the Christmas season. The challenge is simple: choose one day over the next seven weeks to fast. What that looks like may be different for each of us - whether it’s from food, drink, or a specific activity. Whatever God leads you to set aside, the goal is to ask Him to do immeasurably more than we could ask, think, or imagine - in our hearts, in our lives, and in this Christmas season.

Each Monday, we’ll share a short devotional to help you start the week. It’s not a replacement for your personal time with God, but a simple way to focus your heart on what He has in store for your life.

november 9-15
Week 2

Fasting To Activate the Power of God

S - Scripture

"Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry... Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and ministered to him." Matthew 4:1-2, 11 (ESV)

I - In Focus

The purpose of fasting is not to lose weight, but to gain power.

T - Theme

We fast to activate the supernatural power of God in our lives and in our church.

D - Devotional

In his message "When You Fast," Pastor Kevin pointed out that Jesus began His public ministry with a 40-day fast. Because He had been fasting, He was "prepared" and "anointed with the mighty power of God" when the enemy attacked. The result? The devil "fled in defeat".

Pastor Kevin challenged us with a powerful question: "Aren't you tired of seeing the church of God do the work of God without the power of God?".

We live in a world where the enemy is "more vicious than ever". At some point, life will unravel, and we'll have to say, "Lord, I can't carry on without your power". Fasting is our statement to our flesh, to our habits, and to the enemy that "you are not in control of my life—God Almighty is". It is our way of declaring that God is more important than food.

O - Own It

This week, as you prepare for your chosen fast day, use the "5 R's" to guide you.

  • Repent: Ask God to show you any sin or habit that is hindering His power in your life. Repentance clears the way for a breakthrough.

  • Reflect: What "chains" need breaking in your life, your family, or our community? What situation needs God's power, not your own?

  • Refrain: As you refrain from that meal or activity, you are making a powerful statement: "I need God's power more than I need this."

  • Read: Read the story of Jesus in the wilderness in Matthew 4.

W - Worship through Prayer

Father, I’m tired of doing Your work in my own strength. I need Your power. As I fast this week, I ask You to break the strongholds in my life and in my church. I want Your anointing. I want my church to be a church that is prepared and empowered by You, so that the enemy must flee. Amen.

N - Next Steps

  • Action: Choose your one day to fast for this week.

  • Pray: On your fast day, pray specifically for God's power to be on our "Christmas at GFBC" event.

  • Refresh: Take the time you would have spent eating to refresh your spirit in prayer, asking God to "activate His power" in you.