Faith, Fasting, and Divine Intervention: A Call to Prayer
Summary
In this sermon, I discussed the importance of seeking deliverance and protection through faith and prayer, drawing from the biblical stories of Esther and the healing of a boy possessed by an impure spirit in Mark 9. I emphasized the power of fasting and prayer, as demonstrated by Esther's courage to approach the king, and the father's desperate plea for his son's deliverance. I also highlighted the paradox of belief and unbelief, as seen in the father's plea to Jesus, and how Jesus' compassion transcends our doubts. I encouraged the congregation to consider a corporate fast, emphasizing that when we fast and pray, significant things happen. I concluded by reminding everyone of God's willingness to intervene in our situations, just as He did for the boy in need of deliverance.
Key Takeaways:
- Fasting and prayer are powerful tools for seeking deliverance and protection. ( [00:45])
- Even in our doubts and unbelief, Jesus' compassion and willingness to help us remains. ( [01:31])
- A corporate fast can bring about significant changes in our congregation and personal lives. ( [32:09])
- God's willingness to intervene in our situations is good news for all of us. ( [24:38])
- Some spiritual battles require more than just prayer; they require fasting as well. ( [25:21])
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Esther 4:15-17 - Esther's decision to fast before approaching King Xerxes. #!!00:45!!#
2. Mark 9:14-29 - Jesus heals a boy possessed by an impure spirit. #!!01:31!!#
Observation Questions:
1. In Esther 4:15-17, why did Esther decide to fast before approaching the king?
2. In Mark 9:14-29, what was the reaction of the crowd when they saw Jesus?
3. How did the father of the possessed boy respond to Jesus' statement, "everything is possible for one who believes"?
Interpretation Questions:
1. What does Esther's decision to fast signify about her faith and trust in God?
2. How does the healing of the possessed boy in Mark 9:14-29 demonstrate the power and authority of Jesus?
3. What does the father's plea, "I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief" reveal about the struggle and nature of faith?
Application Questions:
1. Like Esther, have you ever felt the need to fast and pray before making a significant decision? If so, how did it impact your decision-making process?
2. In what ways have you experienced the power and authority of Jesus in your life, similar to the healing of the possessed boy in Mark 9:14-29?
3. Can you recall a time when you struggled with unbelief, similar to the father in Mark 9:14-29? How did you seek help to overcome your unbelief?
4. How can you exercise your faith and trust in God during challenging circumstances, similar to Esther and the father in Mark 9:14-29?
5. How can you position yourself to hear from God and engage your spiritual inner self, as mentioned in the sermon?
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Dialogue with God
Prayer is not a one-way communication but a dialogue with God. It's a two-way relationship that requires faith and trust. This dialogue is the foundation of our relationship with God, and it's through this dialogue that we can experience God's protection and deliverance from evil. It's about positioning ourselves to hear what the Spirit would say and exercising our faith to trust God in all circumstances ([28:56]).
Psalm 85:8 - "I will listen to what God the LORD says; he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants—but let them not turn to folly."
Reflection: Reflect on your prayer life. How can you make it more of a dialogue with God?
Day 2: The Importance of Fasting
Fasting is a spiritual discipline that involves denying the body of what it craves to rely more on God. It's an unnatural act that brings our minds back to God every time we feel the craving. It's a powerful tool that can change the course of our lives and deepen our relationship with God ([20:12]).
Joel 2:12 - "Even now," declares the LORD, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning."
Reflection: How can you incorporate fasting into your spiritual life?
Day 3: God's Deliverance is Personal
God's deliverance is not just for large groups or political entities, but it's personal. It's a deliverance from things that are ingrained in our lives that are not good for us. God wants to set us free and deliver us from evil ([26:04]).
Psalm 34:17 - "The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles."
Reflection: What personal deliverance do you need from God today?
Day 4: Nothing is Too Hard for God
No matter how hard our circumstances may seem, nothing is too hard for God. He has the authority to overcome all disease, sickness, and evil in the world. His intention towards us is the love of a father, and He is protective and loving ([27:31]).
Jeremiah 32:27 - "I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?"
Reflection: What mountain in your life do you need to trust God to move?
Day 5: The Breath of God
We can have every plan in the world, but if the Breath of God is not at work in it, it becomes meaningless. We need to seek an authentic relationship with God and invite His breath to breathe over us ([32:09]).
Job 33:4 - "The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life."
Reflection: How can you invite the Breath of God into your plans and activities?
Quotes
1. "This kind can come out only by prayer and fasting. For the word of the Lord, thanks be to God. Thanks, Deb. Well, I'm going to ask Chris to come up with the kids today. Stories, they're all about Saint Paul." - 03:46
2. "We have the heart's desire to get closer and deeper with God. But it's going to require something to us. We can have every plan in the world and all these good things going on but if the Breath of God is not at work in it, what does it become?" - 32:52
3. "Prayer is a dialogue, it's a two-way relationship. And this desire that we have for protection and deliverance from Evil, that too comes down to the trust and the faith in the two-way relationship that we have with Father God." - 28:56
4. "I don't believe that you can truly draw near to God unless you place yourself in a position where you can have that dialogue and exercise that faith. And perhaps a fast is a good way to begin that process if you haven't done it before." - 30:36
5. "We can either choose to fast and pray and engage our spiritual life in this way or we can just acquiesce to the rigors of life and get comfortable with the status quo. Do you want to be like that?" - 31:19
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