Day 1: WORSHIP—Are You up for a Supernatural Breakthrough?
'Among the gods there is none like you, Lord; no deeds can compare with yours. 9All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, Lord; they will bring glory to your name. 10For you are great and do marvellous deeds; you alone are God. 11Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. 12I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart; I will 'glorify your name forever.’—Psalm 86:8—12
('Lord; no deeds can compare with yours'—Psalm 86:9): Worship—Photo by NC-Mineral on Unsplash
Blog #003 Welcome to the first day of our 2018 church-wide fast!
Almost two decades ago I read a book on fasting by Pastor Jentezen Franklin. I was deeply inspired by the stories of supernatural provision, conversions and miracles that resulted from his churches annual church-wide fast.
Consequently, in December 2006, I encouraged our church family to fast for 15 days and believe for 15 salvations by the end of the year.
I can’t explain my confusion when one of my mentors asked me: “What would you do if you don’t witness 15 salvations by the end of December?”
Did he lack faith? Was he being negative?
Mmmm. When December came and went and we didn’t see a single conversion, I was confused, disappointed, and… miserable.
The power of fasting
I had previously experienced the power of fasting as God had changed my circumstances and provided supernatural answers to my requests. Sadly, fasting had become a formula for nagging God with my concerns and forcing MY will in heaven.
BUT what if fasting was better than giving wings to my self-centred prayers?
When David wrote Psalm 86, he was facing significant challenges and formidable opposition. Understandably, his prayer focused on his needy condition, pleading for God’s help.
As Bible commentators explain, in verses 1-7, the word “for” signals one of David’s reasons as to why God should have helped him. Yet in verse 5, he shifts from “for I” to “for you”- reaching a climax in verse 10- “for you [God] are great.”
Shifted focus
The Psalmist shifted his focus from his situation to the supremacy of God. He shifted his focus from supplication to adoration.
In the midst of his challenges, David acknowledged God’s awesome character [You are great] and His marvellous power [Do marvellous deeds].
This shift provoked David to see beyond his self-centred needs and towards God-centred worship (v.9). This shift prompted David to seek an undivided heart that loves God for who He is (v. 11). This shift inspired David to peek into the future and praise God for the assured victory coming his way (vv.12-17).
What if …
What if you and I were able, in this first week of our fast, to shift our focus to God’s awesome character and marvellous deeds? What if we were able to turn our personal requests into an opportunity for praise? Just for one week!
Throughout this week, you will be inspired by diverse blogs on worship – I pray they will help you to selflessly focus on God and joyfully adore Him.
Imagine …
Imagine how our Heavenly Father will feel when His children use a fast to focus on HIM; exercising their selflessness-muscles by turning supplication into adoration.
Maybe it will only be a matter of time before your selflessness muscles grow and impact every aspect of your life. Maybe it will only be a matter of time before we are overwhelmed by the beauty and power of God, when our adoration trumps supplication. Maybe it will only be a matter of time before you look in the mirror and see the type of person you were created to be; as selfless as your Father in Heaven.
Join in the conversation
Why don’t you share with us, in the space below, a character trait or a marvellous deed that you would like to praise God for, this fasting season.
