Awakening Faith Through Prayer and Fasting

 

Summary

In this second week of our "Breakthrough" series, we are diving deeper into the spiritual disciplines of prayer and fasting. This journey is not just about abstaining from food or other comforts but about creating space for God to work in our lives in unprecedented ways. We are encouraged to commit to a level of spiritual engagement that we may not have experienced before, trusting that God will meet us in our efforts and stretch our faith. Whether you started last week or are just joining us now, it's never too late to begin. The essence of this challenge is to replace the physical with the spiritual, to empty ourselves so that we can be filled with God's presence and power.

We explored the story of Jesus calming the storm in Matthew 8, where the disciples, despite having witnessed Jesus' miracles, still doubted His power in the midst of a crisis. This narrative serves as a reminder that even with Jesus in our "boat," storms will come. However, the presence of Jesus assures us that the boat will not sink. Our faith, even if as small as a mustard seed, can move mountains when we trust in God's limitless power. The challenge is to awaken our faith, to believe that nothing is impossible with God, and to allow our breakthroughs to be a testimony to others who might be in the same storm.

As we continue this journey, we are reminded that our breakthroughs are not just for us. They are meant to inspire and encourage others who are watching our lives. We are called to share our stories of God's faithfulness, to be a light in the midst of darkness, and to support one another in prayer and community. Let us commit to this challenge with open hearts, ready to see God move in ways we never imagined.

Key Takeaways:

1. Commitment to Prayer and Fasting: Engaging in prayer and fasting is about creating space for God to work in our lives. It's not just about giving up something but about replacing the physical with the spiritual, allowing God to fill us with His presence and power. This commitment can lead to a deeper relationship with God and a greater understanding of His will for our lives. [34:18]

2. Awake Faith in the Storm: Even with Jesus in our lives, storms will come. However, His presence assures us that we will not sink. Awake faith means trusting in God's power to calm the storm or to carry us through it, knowing that He is in control. This faith challenges us to believe in the impossible and to rely on God's strength rather than our own. [49:26]

3. No Limits on God's Power: The disciples' amazement at Jesus calming the storm reminds us that there are no limits to what God can do. Our faith, even if small, can lead to great things when we trust in God's limitless power. We are encouraged to believe that nothing is impossible with God and to step out in faith, knowing that He will provide and guide us. [01:01:44]

4. Breakthroughs for Others: Our breakthroughs are not just for us; they are meant to inspire and encourage others. When God works in our lives, it becomes a testimony to those around us who may be facing similar storms. Sharing our stories of God's faithfulness can strengthen the faith of others and build a stronger community of believers. [01:12:44]

5. Continuous Growth in Faith: This journey is about more than just a temporary challenge; it's about ongoing growth in our faith. We are called to move beyond where we are spiritually, to trust God in new ways, and to be open to His leading. As we grow, we will see God do things that are beyond what we thought possible, and our faith will be stretched and strengthened. [01:21:07]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [34:18] - Introduction to Breakthrough Challenge
- [35:55] - Understanding True Fasting
- [36:35] - Adjusting Commitments
- [38:22] - Spiritual Replacement
- [39:57] - Prayer and Fasting Elements
- [40:50] - Upcoming Prayer Celebration
- [42:28] - Practical Tips for Prayer
- [43:36] - Weekly Devotional Resources
- [46:17] - Mustard Seed Faith
- [49:26] - Awake Faith in the Storm
- [51:21] - Jesus Calms the Storm
- [53:23] - Little Faith vs. Awake Faith
- [01:01:44] - No Limits on God's Power
- [01:12:44] - Breakthroughs for Others
- [01:21:07] - Continuous Growth in Faith

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Matthew 8:23-27

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Observation Questions:

1. In Matthew 8:23-27, what was Jesus doing during the storm, and how did the disciples react to the situation? [50:25]

2. How did Jesus respond to the disciples' fear, and what action did He take afterward? [57:17]

3. What was the disciples' reaction after Jesus calmed the storm, and what does this reveal about their understanding of His power? [01:02:45]

4. According to the sermon, what is the significance of having faith as small as a mustard seed? [46:17]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. Why might Jesus have chosen to address the disciples' faith before calming the storm? What does this suggest about the relationship between faith and circumstances? [58:03]

2. How does the story of Jesus calming the storm illustrate the concept of "awake faith" as described in the sermon? [49:26]

3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that our personal breakthroughs can impact others around us? [01:12:44]

4. How does the sermon challenge the idea of placing limits on God's power, and what examples were given to illustrate this point? [01:01:44]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a current "storm" in your life. How can you practice "awake faith" by trusting in Jesus' presence and power in this situation? [49:26]

2. The sermon encourages replacing physical comforts with spiritual engagement. What is one specific comfort you can give up this week to create more space for God in your life? [38:22]

3. Think of a time when you experienced a breakthrough in your faith. How did it affect those around you, and how can you share your story to encourage others? [01:12:44]

4. The sermon mentions the importance of continuous growth in faith. What is one new way you can stretch your faith this week, and who can you ask to support you in this journey? [01:21:07]

5. Consider the idea that our faith, even if small, can lead to great things. What is one "mountain" in your life that you need to trust God to move, and how can you take a step of faith towards it this week? [46:17]

6. How can you be more intentional about sharing your faith and the breakthroughs you experience with others in your community? What specific steps can you take to be a light in someone else's storm? [01:14:37]

7. Reflect on the sermon’s call to commit to prayer and fasting. What specific prayer or fasting goal can you set for the next week to deepen your relationship with God? [34:18]

Devotional

I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:

Day 1: Creating Space for God
Engaging in prayer and fasting is not merely about abstaining from food or other comforts; it is about intentionally creating space for God to work in our lives in unprecedented ways. This spiritual discipline invites us to replace the physical with the spiritual, allowing God to fill us with His presence and power. By committing to this practice, we open ourselves to a deeper relationship with God and a greater understanding of His will for our lives. Whether you started last week or are just joining now, it's never too late to begin this journey of spiritual engagement. [34:18]

Isaiah 58:6-7 (ESV): "Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?"

Reflection: What specific comfort or habit can you set aside this week to create more space for God in your life?


Day 2: Trusting God in the Storm
Even with Jesus in our lives, storms will come. The story of Jesus calming the storm in Matthew 8 reminds us that His presence assures us that we will not sink. Awake faith means trusting in God's power to calm the storm or to carry us through it, knowing that He is in control. This faith challenges us to believe in the impossible and to rely on God's strength rather than our own. As we face life's challenges, we are encouraged to awaken our faith and trust that nothing is impossible with God. [49:26]

Psalm 107:28-29 (ESV): "Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed."

Reflection: Think of a current storm in your life. How can you actively trust God to guide you through it today?


Day 3: Embracing God's Limitless Power
The disciples' amazement at Jesus calming the storm serves as a powerful reminder that there are no limits to what God can do. Our faith, even if as small as a mustard seed, can lead to great things when we trust in God's limitless power. We are encouraged to believe that nothing is impossible with God and to step out in faith, knowing that He will provide and guide us. This perspective invites us to see beyond our limitations and embrace the boundless possibilities that come with faith in God. [01:01:44]

Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV): "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to trust in God's limitless power? How can you take a step of faith in that area today?


Day 4: Sharing Breakthroughs with Others
Our breakthroughs are not just for us; they are meant to inspire and encourage others. When God works in our lives, it becomes a testimony to those around us who may be facing similar storms. Sharing our stories of God's faithfulness can strengthen the faith of others and build a stronger community of believers. We are called to be a light in the midst of darkness and to support one another in prayer and community. [01:12:44]

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (ESV): "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."

Reflection: Who in your life could benefit from hearing your story of God's faithfulness? How can you share it with them this week?


Day 5: Committing to Continuous Growth
This journey is about more than just a temporary challenge; it's about ongoing growth in our faith. We are called to move beyond where we are spiritually, to trust God in new ways, and to be open to His leading. As we grow, we will see God do things that are beyond what we thought possible, and our faith will be stretched and strengthened. This commitment to continuous growth invites us to remain open to God's transformative work in our lives. [01:21:07]

Colossians 1:9-10 (ESV): "And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God."

Reflection: What is one new way you can commit to growing in your faith this week? How can you incorporate this into your daily routine?

Quotes

Commit to a level you've never committed before, and you'll see God work in a way you've never seen God work before. Just give it a try. Commit. Like, don't just, eh, we'll see. No. If you, like, if you're saying, hey, I want to grow beyond where I'm at right now, and you haven't done this before, I'm just, I'm not being pushy. Yes, I am. Do it. Like, as your pastor, if I fit that role, I'm saying you need this in your life. [00:34:18] (28 seconds)


We are emptying ourselves physically and hoping to be filled spiritually. We are putting ourselves in an intentional place of weakness so that he can be made strong, okay? It's a good thing. Now, what's great about this, it's not that I don't hunger. I don't hunger and thirst for like time with God on a regular basis. Like when life gets busy, like that just naturally, when you start to experience that, it starts to, God starts to pull you in because you know what you're missing. [00:38:39] (34 seconds)


You will have storms even with Jesus in the boat but the boat will not sink if Jesus is in it doesn't mean bad things won't happen it just means he is there and he his power is already at work so they go and they wake up Jesus how many of you wake up Jesus in this moment how many of you would do that anybody want to [00:54:13] (31 seconds)


He corrects the faith of the disciples before he corrects the crisis. He deals with the little faith. He deals with the crisis inside the boat before he deals with the crisis outside the boat. I don't like this pattern, okay? Because Jesus, I know you've been sleeping, but we've been bailing water out of this and you're only floating because of us. [00:58:03] (31 seconds)


Awake faith believes that there is no limitation on what God wants you to do. There is no limitation on what God can do in your life. Point number three, last one. Awake faith calms storms for others. Remember, I said this isn't always about you. I need this breakthrough for me. [01:11:46] (26 seconds)

I want you to realize that when you get a breakthrough there may be some others in the same storm as you who need to hear about it that's why that's why we tell you tell us about your breakthrough there may be someone right now who's going through the same storm as you right now you're in the boat you're in a boat they're in a boat separate boats same storm when god gives you a breakthrough this is what this is the church by the way We're stronger together. [01:13:32] (34 seconds)


When God calls you to something, you are gonna get to see him move in your life. Faith puts no limits on the power of God. As far back as the Old Testament, God told Abraham and Sarai, hey, you're gonna have a baby. Never mind the fact that you're gonna be 100, and nine, 100, Abraham, 90, Sarah. This is kind of past birth-bearing, child-bearing years, especially in the female. [01:17:03] (26 seconds)


Jeremiah 32, 27 says, I'm the Lord, the God of all peoples of the world. Is anything too hard for me? Jesus told his disciples in Luke chapter 18, verse 27, Jesus replied, what is impossible with man is possible with God. We have a different set of realities here. [01:18:49] (22 seconds)


Father, I pray that the decisions wouldn't stop here, but as we pray and as we submit ourselves to your plan during the week, that you would reveal new things to us from these scriptures, from your Holy Spirit. Father, we pray that we'd be celebrating breakthroughs over the next few weeks, things that you've done that were outside of what even we thought you were capable of doing. Father, stretch our faith, and we will celebrate and give you all the glory. [01:21:07] (31 seconds)


We pray that if there's anyone here today who's separated from you, they're not even in the same boat as you. God, that they'd be willing to put their faith in your son. So much faith that maybe they believe, not so much that you remove the storm, but that your presence will be with them in the midst of the storm. [01:17:10] (20 seconds)


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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
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