A Word for Our Arbor Family
As our church prepares to enter a 21-day season of prayer and fasting, we have an opportunity to create space for God to speak, shape, and strengthen us. Prayer and fasting are not spiritual disciplines that we practice to prove our devotion or earn God’s favor. It is a time to quiet the distractions around us and become more attentive to His presence.
Before we begin this journey together, I want to encourage you to spend time intentionally asking God an important question, “Lord, what are You asking me to lay down these next 21 days?”
Fasting can take many forms. For some, it may mean stepping away from certain foods. For others, it may mean fasting from all food for a specific period of time. It could also involve setting aside technology, social media, entertainment, or other habits that regularly compete for our attention. The purpose is not merely to give something up. The purpose is to draw closer to God.
Jesus taught that fasting is about the condition of our hearts. In Matthew 6:16-18 (NIV), He said, “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
Fasting reveals what has gotten a hold on our hearts and reminds us that our deepest needs cannot be satisfied by earthly things. When we choose to set something aside we are reminded that God is who sustains us.
Take time before this season begins. Pray. Listen. Ask the Holy Spirit what He is inviting you to surrender. Then step into these 21 days with expectation. When we seek God wholeheartedly He faithfully meets us.
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV)
Before we begin this journey together, I want to encourage you to spend time intentionally asking God an important question, “Lord, what are You asking me to lay down these next 21 days?”
Fasting can take many forms. For some, it may mean stepping away from certain foods. For others, it may mean fasting from all food for a specific period of time. It could also involve setting aside technology, social media, entertainment, or other habits that regularly compete for our attention. The purpose is not merely to give something up. The purpose is to draw closer to God.
Jesus taught that fasting is about the condition of our hearts. In Matthew 6:16-18 (NIV), He said, “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
Fasting reveals what has gotten a hold on our hearts and reminds us that our deepest needs cannot be satisfied by earthly things. When we choose to set something aside we are reminded that God is who sustains us.
Take time before this season begins. Pray. Listen. Ask the Holy Spirit what He is inviting you to surrender. Then step into these 21 days with expectation. When we seek God wholeheartedly He faithfully meets us.
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV)