"We Can Do Hard Things" is our theme for 2023. We are celebrating 13 years as a church 1) Because He hears when we call, 2) Because He gives us strength, and 3) Because He has overcome the world. Join us as we fast and pray from January 2nd - January 31st.
Week 1: Our message today is about transformation. As you embark upon this fast, embrace the idea of being transformed. In its simplest definition, transformation is the process of being changed in form, nature, appearance, or character. Jesus wants to transform us into His image, so we resemble Him more. Find one hard thing that needs transforming in your life and spend time in the presence of God allowing Him to guide you through the process. It might not always be comfortable, but it will be worth it.
Read: Psalm 139:23-24; Romans 12:2; & 2 Corinthians 3:18.
Week 2: Our word for today is obedience. It's not popular in our culture to be obedient, especially when it comes to things pertaining to God. Obedience means we let go of some of our ambitions and take hold of God's divine direction even when we don't like it or understand it.
During this fast, you may sense God needs your obedience in some area(s) of your life. Remember God requires obedience, even when it's hard.
Read: 1 Samuel 15:22; John 14:23; & 1 Kings 2:3.
Week 3: Our word for today is endurance. Endurance will come in handy when we are trying to "hang in there" during hard or difficult seasons. By definition, endurance is that ability or strength that helps us continue or last despite fatigue, stress, or other adverse conditions. God doesn't reveal how long a trial will last; thus, we don't know how long we must endure the pain. But there is a secret to enduring-trusting and obeying God. As you go through this fast, God is building your endurance. He knows you will need it to be a good soldier in His army.
Read: Galatians 6:9; Hebrews 10:36; & Philippians 4:13.
Week 4: The word for today is calling. God is calling all of His children to make a positive impact in the world. There are no big or little calls- all calls are designed specifically for us individually. Hosea's call was not your typical call but he followed God in total obedience despite his assignment. During this fast, seek God for a fresh calling on your life, step out in faith, and open up your heart to new God-honoring possibilities. You just might learn new things about yourself and your relationship with Him.
Read: 2 Timothy 1:9; 1 Corinthians 7:17; & Romans 11:29.
Week 5: Our final word for the month is remember. You are just about to complete 29 days of fasting from food or another activity that you normally spend time doing, often out of sheer habit. But during the fast, you have focused on God and spent time in His presence. During these special times God has shown you something, told you something, taught you something, or perhaps chastised you about something. Don't leave the fast and not remember what He has started changing in your heart. Remember to follow through! This was only the beginning. Hold on and remember to look ahead and not back.
Remember you can do this hard thing because God hears your call, gives you strength, and He has already overcome the world. Remember that!
Read: Psalm 34:17; Philippians 4:13; John 16:33.