21 Days of Seeking God
From February 10 to March 3, LaunchPoint is engaging in a 21 day fast where we are seeking God, that we would hear what he is saying to us & do what he says. Even if you miss the start, you can join any time!
Q & A
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Q: What is fasting
The idea of a fast is that you give something up to express your heart to God. During the time we would have eaten (or engaged in what ever activity your are fasting from) you are to instead, seeking God in prayer! Q: Is there anything to help me if I fast?
YES! We are inviting everyone to join the bible plan, "Your Kingdom Come". This will help you seek God's Kingdom as you're fasting. |
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Q: Would I have to give up food?
Not necessarily. It’s more about taking a craving we normally have and turning it into a craving to get closer to God. You can fast from a number of things. Check out these fasting ideas:
Not necessarily. It’s more about taking a craving we normally have and turning it into a craving to get closer to God. You can fast from a number of things. Check out these fasting ideas:
- water only fast (no solid foods)
- partial fast (selected meals)
- liquids only fast (juices & more)
- Daniel fast (no meat or desserts)
- dessert fast (no sweets or delicacies)
- coffee-soda-caffeine fast
- intimacy fast (no sexual contact)
- media fast (no TV, movies, youtube, etc.)
- Game fast (no games on your phone, tablet, switch, …)
- ‘talking fast’ (quiet for specific hours like 7p-7a)
- social media fast (No facebook, Instagram, tik-toc …)
Q: If I do this, what will it actually be like?
- It’s not as bad as you think, but it is tough. You are saying ‘no’ to what you normally do. But remember, this is much more about you saying ‘Yes!’ to God.
- As distractions are pushed aside, you are essentially creating space to pursue God daily. Your spiritual clarity will increase.
- As you ‘draw near to God’ expect him to reveal himself. The Bible may come alive with new clarity. You will most likely find yourself praying more and becoming more aware of God’s presence.
- You will most likely begin understanding God’s heart and what God is trying to say to you.
- Your reliance on God will probably increase as will a sense of joy.
- If you end up doing an total fast from food, the first three days are brutal. Beyond the 5th day, you feel renewed energy. Your body begins to purge itself; and so does the spirit. You will emerge from the fog of hunger and spiritual confusion. The physical pangs leave you, and there is a fresh appetite for things spiritual.
- You may end up feeling pretty good about your spiritual walk … WATCH OUT!!! Pride is powerful. Thinking you are doing well spiritually can make you more susceptible to temptation. Focus on your commitment and be on your guard.
Q: What will it look like to fast as a church?
Each person will decide for themselves if they want to fast and what they want to fast from. We do not need to tell anyone we are fasting or that we’ve chosen not to fast.
Everyone who chooses to fast, will focus their fast on:
Each person will decide for themselves if they want to fast and what they want to fast from. We do not need to tell anyone we are fasting or that we’ve chosen not to fast.
Everyone who chooses to fast, will focus their fast on:
- The people of LaunchPoint hearing from God on a daily basis.
- God sparking a desire within us to do what pleases him.
- Spiritual Breakthrough for the people of LaunchPoint live the YOU+ Life
Will You Join the Fast?
This is a decision between you & God. You do not have to tell anyone about your decision.
Age appropriate fasting can help
all ages draw closer to God
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FURTHER UNDERSTANDING
A Deeper Look at the Three Biblical Reasons for Fasting
1. Fasting During a Time of Loss and Sorrow
There seems to be a spiritual law that says, fasting amplifies your cry to God and allows you to seek Him, find Him, and be heard by Him in a stronger way than is afforded in prayer apart from fasting.
- Fasting can provide spiritual help in a time of mourning. We know, often during a time of emotional trauma, one may lose their appetite. This is not what we are referring to. The Bible teaches fasting as an intentional tool to draw close to God, something you purpose to do. Fasting during a time of mourning can help you speed this season up and cause you to quickly find joy again.
- People fasted at the news of King Saul’s death (1 Samuel 31:11-13, 2 Samuel 1:1- 12)
- Nehemiah fasted when he heard of Jerusalem’s fallen and desolate condition (Nehemiah 1:2-5)
- When Jews heard King Xerxes had issued a death sentence to all Jews, they corporately mourned and fasted (Esther 4:3)
- Daniel fasted over a divine revelation he had received from God (Daniel 10:1-9)
- Isaiah 58:6 teaches us fasting can “loose the bands of wickedness,” and “let the oppressed go free.” The original Hebrew gives us better insight. It says, “ to loose the pangs and grief of injustice and harm, “ and “ lets the grievously oppressed, discouraged, and bruised go free.”
- Israel repented from Baal worship with fasting (1 Samuel 7:3-8)
- Ahab repented for being a perverse king with fasting (1 Kings 21:17-29)
- Israel repented for neglecting the Law with fasting. (Nehemiah 9:1)
- David corrected his soul with fasting (Psalms 69:7-13)
- All of Nineveh, including the cattle fasted because of their sin (Jonah 3:5-10)
- Daniel repented for the sins of Israel with fasting (Daniel 9:3-15)
- The LORD commanded Israel turn to the Him with fasting, weeping and mourning (Joel 2:12)
- Isaiah 58:8 teaches us fasting will allow our light (fellowship with Jesus) to break forth as the morning. Healing shall come and your righteousness (clean living) will go before you. This is a picture of true-repentance.
There seems to be a spiritual law that says, fasting amplifies your cry to God and allows you to seek Him, find Him, and be heard by Him in a stronger way than is afforded in prayer apart from fasting.
- Israel fasted and sought God when they needed military help against their brother- tribe Benjamin in a rape case (Judges 20:1-48)
- David fasted and sought God for the life of his infant son (2 Samuel 12:14-23)
- Jehoshaphat declared a fast for military victory (2 Chronicles 20:1-15)
- Ezra and his group of men fasted and sought God for direction and protection (Ezra 8:21-23)
- Esther fasted in the hopes of finding favor from her husband the king (Esther 4:15-17)
- Cornelius fasted and sought God (Acts 10:1-8, 30)
- Early church leaders sought God w/ prayer and fasting for the church’s direction (Acts 13:2-3; 14:23)
- Isaiah 58:4 states fasting will cause your voice to be heard on high.
- Isaiah 58:9 shows fasting will allows you to call on God and He will answer you saying, “Here I am.”
- Isaiah 58:11 teaches fasting will allow the LORD to guide you continually.
Biblical Examples of Fasting
- In times of war: Judges 20:26
- Repentance: Jonah 3:5 & Daniel 6:18
- When facing danger: Ezra 8:21, 23
- Courage & wisdom: Esther 4:3, 16 & 9:31
- In times of distress: 2 Samuel 1:12
- Ultimate denial of the flesh: Matthew 4:2
- Spiritual power: Mark 9:29
- Church leadership: Acts 14:23
- Set aside self for holiness: 1 Corinthians 7:5
- Answered prayer: Acts 10:30-31
- Mourning: Daniel 10:1-3
- Special revelation: Exodus 34:27-28
- Spiritual recuperation: 1 Kings 19:1-9
- Grieving: 1 Samuel 31:13 & 1 Chronicles 10:12
We want to thank our partners at Community Christian Church in Chicago for supplying these guides.
