Have you ever felt stuck, unsure of which direction to take in life or ministry? Maybe you’re facing roadblocks that seem insurmountable, or perhaps things are going so well you can barely keep up. Whatever your situation, there’s a powerful tool that can help you gain clarity and direction: seeking God’s vision through prayer and fasting.
At our church, we’re embarking on a journey to discover God’s 15-year vision for our community. But this isn’t just about our church – it’s a principle that can apply to your personal life as well. Let me share with you why this process is so crucial and how you can be a part of it.
The Power of Recognizing Roadblocks
Before we can move forward, we need to honestly assess where we are. As I shared in my sermon, “The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty” (Proverbs 22:3). This wisdom applies to both individuals and organizations.
In our church, we’ve identified several roadblocks:
1. Discipleship demands outpacing our capacity
2. Obligation overload on leadership
3. The digital dilemma of reaching Generation Z
4. A diversity deficit in leadership
What roadblocks are you facing in your own life or ministry? Take a moment to reflect and jot them down. Recognizing these challenges is the first step toward overcoming them.
Audaciously Asking for a Move of the Spirit
Once we’ve identified our roadblocks, it’s time to turn to God for guidance. This is where prayer and fasting come in. In the book of Acts, we see a powerful example of this:
“While they were ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work which I have called them'” (Acts 13:2).
This moment led to the first global mission of the early church. Imagine what God could do in your life or our church if we approached Him with the same intensity and focus!
The Vision Process: A Five-Month Journey
We’re setting aside the next five months to seek God’s heart through prayer and fasting. This isn’t just for church leadership – it’s for everyone. Here’s what you can expect:
1. Regular times of prayer and fasting
2. Journaling insights and impressions from God
3. A survey in January to gather everyone’s input
4. Discernment of priorities and direction for the future
Remember, “It’s more helpful to pray and not fast than to fast and not pray.” The goal is to connect with God and hear His voice.
Practical Steps for Participation
1. Choose a form of fasting that works for you. This could be food, social media, or anything that helps you focus on God.
2. Use the prayer tent provided or the Echo app for guided prayers.
3. Keep a journal of what God reveals to you during this time.
4. Pray not just for the church, but for personal revival in your own life.
Expect Some Challenges
As we embark on this journey, be prepared for some spiritual resistance. You might feel discouraged or face unexpected obstacles. But remember, “The Lord will protect you. You’re going to be fine. They’re just going to try to depress you or get you discouraged. You just say, ‘Shut your face, devil. I’m doing this.'”
The Potential Impact
Imagine what could happen if we truly seek God’s vision for the next 15 years. We could see:
– Transition to more specialized leadership
– Digital ministry expansion reaching a global audience
– Diverse leadership development
– New church plants and outreach to different language groups
But beyond these organizational goals, the most significant impact could be in your own life. As you seek God’s face, you might discover new purpose, overcome personal roadblocks, or experience a fresh fire in your relationship with Jesus.
Next Steps: Putting It Into Practice
1. Commit to participating in the five-month prayer and fasting journey.
2. Identify one personal roadblock you want to bring before God.
3. Choose a specific day this week to fast and pray about God’s vision for your life.
4. Share your experience with a friend or small group for accountability and encouragement.
As we embark on this exciting journey together, remember that God is eager to reveal His plans to those who earnestly seek Him. Let’s approach these next five months with expectancy and openness, ready to hear and follow wherever He leads. The future is bright when we align ourselves with God’s vision!
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