Forward: 21 Days of Fasting and PrayerUzorak

INTRODUCTION

God responds to those who seek Him. As we begin 2021 and come before God in fasting and prayer over the next 21 days, God will renew our expectations, give us new perspectives, and launch us forward into His plans and purpose for our lives.  

Our theme for these 21 days is ‘Forward’. God’s purposes do not change regardless of our circumstances. Instead, He empowers us to move forward in His plans, taking new ground in every area of our lives.

Each week in this devotional has a specific focus - Standing Strong, Being Led by the Holy Spirit, and Taking Ground. Each day includes a devotional reading with some suggestions for prayer and reflection. There is also a portion of scripture that you can read, which will take you through the book of Acts by the end of the 21 days. As you read the devotional, allow God to speak to you! Take time to reflect, pray and respond to God’s word. Allow Him to change your heart and lead you into the things He has prepared for you this year!

WEEK 1 - STANDING STRONG

This first week, we begin our journey by Standing Strong. God has empowered us to stand strong and be courageous, even when we go through difficult circumstances. We must stand firm and not concede any ground that God has given to us, and move forward in His plans and purposes!

REMEMBERING GOD'S PROMISES

When God makes a promise, we can be confident that it never changes and will be fulfilled! Even though the Israelites had to wait 40 years to see the fulfillment of God’s promise, Joshua stood firm in believing he would step into the promised land. God came through for them, and He still comes through today.

When we anchor ourselves on God’s promises, we can stand strong. God promised Joshua that He would never fail or abandon him. Because of God’s promise, Joshua was unfazed when he encountered enemies more formidable than him. What promises has God given you? Hold onto them and don’t let obstacles derail you from seeing those promises fulfilled!

We need to act in faith on God’s promises. God’s promises often come with a condition or call to action. God told Joshua “wherever you set foot, you will be on land that I have given you”. So Joshua had to keep moving forward, advancing, and taking territory. If God has spoken to you to make some decisions, don’t delay! That step of faith is the key to receiving your promise. 

Until the promise is fulfilled, know that God is with you! More important than the promise itself, is the God who makes the promise. God told Joshua that He would not fail or abandon him In the same way, God is with you and for you today. What are you believing God to do this year? Ask God for a specific promise and allow Him to speak to you. 

Reflect:

1. Identify a promise that God has given to you. Remember how you received it and thank God for it.
2. What is a step of faith that God has asked you to take in relation to that promise? Share it with someone and make a decision to take that step today!

Prayer:

Dear God, I know that Your promises never fail. Teach me how to anchor myself on Your promises and help me to stand strong even in the midst of difficult circumstances. I choose to put my trust in You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.