Realignment: Three Days With God预览

Day 1: Preparation for Fasting

In Matthew 17:14-21, we encounter a powerful story about faith, spiritual authority, and the role of fasting and prayer. A father brings his demon-possessed son to Jesus’ disciples, but they are unable to heal him. Jesus intervenes and rebukes the demon, and the boy is healed instantly. Later, the disciples privately ask why they couldn’t cast out the demon, and Jesus tells them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; nothing will be impossible for you. However, this kind of demon does not go out except by prayer and fasting” (Matthew 17:20-21).

As you prepare for fasting, this passage invites you to think about the purpose and power of fasting in deepening your faith and drawing nearer to God. Jesus highlights that spiritual challenges and breakthroughs can only be achieved through prayer and fasting. Fasting becomes a way to cultivate a heart of humility, dependency, and intense focus on God, preparing us to face challenges with renewed spiritual strength. Fasting affirms God’s promise that “Man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Deuteronomy 8:3).

When we fast and pray, we tell God we need Him more than anything else. We should use this to ask Him for mountain-moving answers to prayer. Sometimes, the mountain you ask God to move will be done supernaturally because you have invested this time in prayer and fasting. Perhaps He will give you a path ahead that will help you move the mountain one stone at a time. We know that when we submit our prayers to God and prioritize Him with a fast, we will receive an answer; it will be in His time and according to His will, but our Heavenly Father always answers.

Spiritual Preparation

Fasting is not merely an act of self-denial; it’s a process of aligning our hearts and minds with God. Jesus’ words to the disciples remind us that fasting strengthens our faith, helping us to rely more fully on God’s power rather than our strength. Before you begin your fast, reflect on areas where you need a breakthrough, whether in your faith, relationships, health, or purpose. Ask God to reveal areas of "mountains" in your life—challenges that seem immovable without divine intervention. Just as Jesus instructed His disciples, embrace fasting to increase your faith and trust in God’s ability to do what seems impossible.

Consider this day of preparation as a way of setting your heart and mind toward faith and expectancy. Fast with the belief that God can move mountains, even those that have seemed immovable for a long time. Approach this fast, not with anxiety but purposefully, believing that God will meet you as you draw near Him. Ask yourself: What do I want God to accomplish in me through this time of fasting? How can I invite His presence into these areas of challenge and need?

Practical Preparation

Just as Jesus emphasizes that faith is central to prayer and fasting, you can prepare yourself practically to make the most of this experience. If you’re fasting from food, plan your meals accordingly and hydrate well before you begin. Consider removing distractions that might hinder your focus, such as excessive screen time or unnecessary tasks. Grab someone who will be your accountability partner and who will be fast with you over the next three days. Finally, create a peaceful environment to dedicate time to prayer, Scripture reading, and meditation.

In this time of preparation, reflect on the "mustard seed" faith Jesus describes—a tiny, seemingly insignificant seed that grows into something powerful. Even if you feel your faith is small, begin this fast with the confidence that God honors sincere steps, no matter how humble.

Ask Yourself:

1. What "mountains" or seemingly immovable obstacles am I facing?

2. How can fasting deepen my faith and dependency on God?

3. How can I prepare practically and spiritually to make this fast a, meaningful experience?

Prayer Focus:

Ask God to increase your faith and help you trust Him in areas beyond your control. Pray for a spirit of humility and dependence, recognizing that breakthroughs happen through God’s power, not our own. Surrender your goals for this fast to God, asking Him to lead and sustain you as you draw near Him in faith and expectation.