What about fasting? What is it?

It was so good to see so many of you on Sunday. As we look at the big shifts ahead for Emmanuel, I am increasingly convinced that we cannot rely on strategic planning alone. We need a spiritual breakthrough.

As I mentioned in the service, there are some challenges—spiritual and operational—that are only "broken" by prayer and fasting. Jesus himself pointed to this after his disciples struggled with a particularly difficult situation, reminding them that certain breakthroughs require this deeper level of sacrifice.

Drawing on some wonderful wisdom from the team at 24-7 Prayer, I wanted to share why we are inviting you into this practice.

Why Fast?

Fasting is not about "earning" something from God or trying to twist His arm. It is about feasting on Him. By voluntarily letting go of something we usually rely on (like food), we create a physical space that reminds us of our total dependence on the Lord.

• It intensifies our focus: Every time we feel a hunger pang, it serves as a "prayer prompt" to turn our hearts back to the needs of our church and our city.

• It humbles our souls: Fasting is a "divine corrective" to human pride. It helps us admit that we don't have all the answers and that we need the Holy Spirit to move.

• It clears the way for breakthrough: Throughout the Bible, we see God’s people fast when they face a crossroad or a "stuck" situation. It often helps bring the clarity and intervention that normal prayer hasn't yet reached.
  

What could you fast from? While fasting traditionally involves food, it doesn't have to. You might choose to skip one meal a day, or fast from sunrise to sunset. If health reasons make a food fast unwise, you might consider a "digital fast" from social media or television, using that reclaimed time to sit with the Lord.

What are we praying for?

• For the Lord to provide the right person for our Youth Leader role.

• For wisdom as we seek to build a safe and professional operational foundation.

• For our whole church to be "Hungry, Humble, Holy and Hopeful" as we discern our future giving and leadership.
  

A quick note on health: Please do be wise. If you have any underlying medical conditions, are pregnant, or have a history of disordered eating, please do not undertake a food fast. The Lord looks at the heart, and a fast from media or even an extra hour of dedicated prayer is just as precious to Him.

As Andrew Murray once said, "Prayer is reaching out after the unseen; fasting is letting go of all that is seen."  Let’s let go of the seen together this week, and reach out for the breakthrough God has for Emmanuel.