Theme: From Pain to Blessing #birthfrommypain
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Annual Corporate Time of Fasting and Prayer
January 5-26, 2021
Ending Tuesday, January 26, 2021 at 6:00PM
Theme: From Pain to Blessing #birthfrommypain
"When a woman gives birth to a baby, she has pain, because her time has come. But when her baby is
born, she forgets the pain. She forgets because she is so happy that a child has been born into the world.
John 16:21 ERV
In the same way I will not cause pain without allowing something new to be born," says the Lord. "If I
cause you the pain, I will not stop you from giving birth to your new nation," says your God.
Isaiah 66:9 (NCV)
Live with the anticipation that something incredible might happen at any time.
- Sharon Gannon
Introduction
Author Pastor Rodney Standfield
In life, when waiting to give birth to your destiny or when waiting for the blessings God has
promised to come forth, the process before manifestation is painful. Oftentimes the plan of God
for your life and the pain we experience are connected. Dianna Hobbs stated that “The pain God
allows in your life will only last long enough to do its work in your life. 2 Corinthians 4:17 ESV
says it like this: “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory
beyond all comparison.” The process you go through will, in the end, bless you. None of us can
go through life pain-free. We will all cry, go through difficulties, endure setbacks and eventually
death. But I’m here to tell you, it may not feel good, but it’s working for your good.” In John
Chapter 21, Jesus uses an analogy of a woman in childbirth to show us how before she gives birth
to the promise, she endures anguish and pain. But, once the baby is born, her pain is replaced
with joy. So too, will Jesus transform your pain into peace and joy. One day you will look back
and the painfulness of the process will pale in comparison to the blessing you will receive. I
challenge you, ask God to help you be patient and deal with the pain while waiting on the blessing
to occur and/or your destiny to be fulfilled.
The theme for 2021 and for our 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting is “From Pain to Blessing”. Despite
the many ordeals you have gone through, know with surety that from your pain God is birthingsomething wonderfully new! Decree and know, the painful process you have endured will work
for your good!
During Week One of our fast, we will focus on the excitement of the anticipation of the coming
blessing. For Week Two, we will shift our focus to when excitement and anticipation give way to
the discomfort of the process. Finally in Week Three we will focus on when the pain is replaced
by the joy of the manifested promise. Just like in childbirth, there is NO birth without pain. Be
steadfast, believe and know… there will be BLESSINGS after we have endured the pain!
WEEK ONE
Author Minister Travae Griffith
The Excitement of the Anticipation of the Coming Blessing
The idea of waiting for something makes it more exciting!
- Andy Warhol
"Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.” Proverbs 13:12 KJV
But as for me, I will look expectantly for the Lord and with confidence in Him I will keep watch; I will
wait [with confident expectation] for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me. Micah 7:7 AMP
The miracle of life is something many anticipate participating in as vessels God uses to bring forth
life. Even when unexpected, it is indeed a miracle. There is a limited time frame when conception
is most likely to occur and several factors must align. The woman releases a healthy, mature egg
cell, which must, then, be received by a healthy, functional fallopian tube. The man must produce
healthy seeds and deposit them into the woman. Once deposited, only about 10% of the seeds
survive to race toward the egg for conception. While it may seem conception is an instantaneous
event, oftentimes, it is not. The seed can only survive for 48 hours and must be implanted before
this time is up to stand a chance at fertilizing the available egg. During this time, the seed must
go through at least five barriers before fertilizing the egg and for the pregnancy to be viable, the
baby must have the correct number of chromosomes. If the baby does not have the correct number
of chromosomes, a miscarriage or genetic disorders may occur. The baby must then make its way
to the uterus where it may or may not implant in the mother’s uterine wall. It is suspected that
after all this process, 60-80% of all babies do not implant and are never known to have existed by
the parents*
If this sounds like a lot, it is! The creation and preservation of life is a miracle! Knowing this may
make the anticipation of a new life even more exciting. This is particularly true for those who
have experienced the loss of a child or those who have been unable to conceive; Proverbs 13:12
speaks of this very experience.
2The excitement of learning a life is growing within often leads to creative ways of sharing the
news with loved ones. It can lead to lots of research by the parents on what to expect. It may
also influence the creation of new friend groups as the parents seek support from others who
have been where they are or are presently in a similar situation. Every step and every week are
exciting when the parents first discover the coming blessing. Every milestone confirms the
promise of the blessing. While the parents know there is an appointed time for the blessing and
often have an idea of the expected date of manifestation, the anticipation grows with each
coming week.
We have a similar response when God promises us a blessing. We eagerly await the manifestation
of the promise to take place. We often do like expectant parents and share the news with others,
do research regarding the promise and establish a support system. Usually, we have some idea
of the sacrifice it will take and are aware there will be a period of waiting. Still, we are excited
about the promise. The promise, like pregnancy, is a miracle in waiting. God is operating behind
the scenes to allow many factors to align and bring the promise to pass in a way that only He can
do. When we hear of what God is planning to do for us, and He confirms it in various ways, we
trust Him to carry it out. Just as it says in Micah 7:7, we have the confident assurance that God
will do just what He said He would do. He hears and He cares. Before the distractions and
discomforts come, we often believe this with unwavering faith. My challenge to you during Week
One of the fast, is to nurture the excitement and anticipation you once had for the things God
promised. Get excited again about what God is going to do in your life, because “in due season,
you will reap if you faint not!” (Galatians 6:9). THE MIRACLE IS STILL A MIRACLE, THE
MIRACLE IS STILL ASSIGNED TO YOU, AND GOD IS STILL ABLE TO DELIVER!
*Facts retrieved from https://www.fertilityanswers.com/the-miracle-of-conception/.
WEEK ONE SCRIPTURE READING
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
• 1 Samuel 1:9-18 NLT - 9 Once after a sacrificial meal at Shiloh, Hannah got up and went to
pray. Eli the priest was sitting at his customary place beside the entrance of the Tabernacle.*
10 Hannah was in deep anguish, crying bitterly as she prayed to the Lord. 11 And she made
this vow: "O Lord of Heaven's Armies, if you will look upon my sorrow and answer my prayer
and give me a son, then I will give him back to you. He will be yours for his entire lifetime,
and as a sign that he has been dedicated to the Lord, his hair will never be cut. 12 As she was
praying to the Lord, Eli watched her. 13 Seeing her lips moving but hearing no sound, he
thought she had been drinking. 14 "Must you come here drunk?" he demanded. "Throw away
your wine!" 15 "Oh no, sir!" she replied. "I haven't been drinking wine or anything stronger.
But I am very discouraged, and I was pouring out my heart to the Lord. 16 Don't think I am a
wicked woman! For I have been praying out of great anguish and sorrow." 17 "In that case,"
Eli said, "go in peace! May the God of Israel grant the request you have asked of him." 18 "Oh,
thank you, sir!" she exclaimed. Then she went back and began to eat again, and she was no
longer sad.
3Wednesday, January 6, 2021
• Romans 4:18-24 NLT - 18 Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping -
believing that he would become the father of many nations. For God had said to him, "That's
how many descendants you will have!" 19 And Abraham's faith did not weaken, even though,
at about 100 years of age, he figured his body was as good as dead - and so was Sarah's womb.
20 Abraham never wavered in believing God's promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and
in this he brought glory to God. 21 He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he
promises. 22 And because of Abraham's faith, God counted him as righteous. 23 And when
God counted him as righteous, it wasn't just for Abraham's benefit. It was recorded 24 for our
benefit, too, assuring us that God will also count us as righteous if we believe in him, the one
who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead.
Thursday, January 7, 2021
• Isaiah 30:18 NIV - 18 Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you
compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!
• Proverbs 13:12 KJV - 12 Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it
is a tree of life.
• Micah 7:7 AMP - 7 But as for me, I will look expectantly for the Lord and with confidence in
Him I will keep watch; I will wait [with confident expectation] for the God of my salvation.
My God will hear me.”
Friday, January 8, 2021
• Hebrews 6:18-19 ERV - 18 These two things cannot change: God cannot lie when he says
something, and he cannot lie when he makes an oath. So these two things are a great help to
us who have come to God for safety. They encourage us to hold on to the hope that is ours. 19
This hope is like an anchor for us. It is strong and sure and keeps us safe. It goes behind the
curtain.
• Psalms 38:15 NIV - 15 I wait for you, O Lord; you will answer, O Lord my God.
Saturday, January 9, 2021
• Psalms 119:81-82 NLT - 81 I am worn out waiting for your rescue, but I have put my hope in
your word. 82 My eyes are straining to see your promises come true. When will you comfort
me?
• 1 John 5:14-15 KJV - 14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing
according to his will, he heareth us: 15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask,
we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.
Sunday, January 10, 2021
• Romans 8:24-25 TLB - 24 We are saved by trusting. And trusting means looking forward to
getting something we don't yet have-for a man who already has something doesn't need to
hope and trust that he will get it. 25 But if we must keep trusting God for something that hasn't
happened yet, it teaches us to wait patiently and confidently.
4• Isaiah 30:18 NIV - 18 Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you
compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!
Monday, January 11, 2021
• Romans 12:12 TLB - 12 Be glad for all God is planning for you. Be patient in trouble, and
prayerful always.
• Genesis 21:1-7 NLT - 1 The Lord kept his word and did for Sarah exactly what he had
promised. 2 She became pregnant, and she gave birth to a son for Abraham in his old age. This
happened at just the time God had said it would. 3 And Abraham named their son Isaac. 4
Eight days after Isaac was born, Abraham circumcised him as God had commanded. 5
Abraham was 100 years old when Isaac was born.6 And Sarah declared, "God has brought me
laughter. All who hear about this will laugh with me. 7 Who would have said to Abraham
that Sarah would nurse a baby? Yet I have given Abraham a son in his old age!"
WEEK TWO
Author Elder Priscilla Smith
When Excitement and Anticipation Give Way to The Discomfort of The Process
“Transformation is a process, and as life happens there are tons of ups and downs. It's a
journey of discovery - there are moments on mountaintops and moments in deep valleys of
despair.” - Rick Warren
"When a woman gives birth to a baby, she has pain, because her time has come. But when her baby is
born, she forgets the pain. She forgets because she is so happy that a child has been born into the world.
John 16:21 ERV
“For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.
2 Corinthians 4:17 ESV
For those desiring to be with child, the words, “you are pregnant,” sounds like music in their ears.
The joyous moment they have dreamed of has finally arrived. With excitement and anticipation,
the wife and husband has notified every family member and friend to share in this joyous
occasion. Even more exciting, a few weeks down the road, the happy couple, if they choose, will
know the gender of this tiny, beautiful life growing on the inside of the mother.
Everything is going along great. The proud parents are excited, and they are anticipating the
arrival of their newest family member. However, before the child is born, there are
stages/processes that will take place within the mother’s body prior to delivering a full-term,
healthy baby. These stages involve several processes resulting in some discomfort. During
pregnancy, the woman may experience, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, bloating, constipation and
swelling. Some women may develop more serious symptoms such as preeclampsia (high blood
pressure), which could prove to be fatal if left unattended or detected. Even in delivery, there
5are stages or processes that a woman’s body go through to prepare for delivery…the epidural,
the IV placed in the arm or hand, the opening of the cervix (which is quite painful), the loss of the
mucous plug, the episiotomy, the pushing of the baby through the birth canal…all very painful.
If a Cesarean Section is necessary, the surgery involves a cutting or incision of the woman’s
abdomen and uterus, which is also a very painful process. However, all the pain and discomfort
are nothing in comparison to what will be yielded at the end of the 38-42 weeks of pregnancy.
John 16:21 and 2 Corinthians 4:17, described it best. Once the baby is born, the discomfort and
pain will all pale in comparison to the tiny life that you now hold in your hand. The pain, the
discomfort, the anxiousness you once felt will no longer be remembered once the child is born.
Just as the parents are expecting and anticipating the arrival of their newborn, we are also
expecting and anticipating some promises from the Lord that has yet to be fulfilled in our lives.
These promises may be salvation of a loved one, healing for yourself or a loved one, promise of
deliverance from a particular habit or situation, promise of a child, promise of a prosperous
business, promise of a financial breakthrough, promise of a home, promise of a best-selling book,
promise of a spouse, etc. We are excited upon hearing the promise, we are excited about the thing
that God is getting ready to do… but the one thing we forget to remember… the one thing that
God or his messenger failed to mention is that before manifestation of the promise, there may be
a thing called a “PROCESS.” A process is a course of action or measurements that are used to
achieve a certain result. There are times when God will immediately fulfill a promise and there
are times when he does not. In His infinite wisdom, and because He is Sovereign, He understands
that each individual need to meet certain criteria before obtaining the Promise. It may be character
development, it may be a need for increased faith, a simple thing such as timing, etc. Whatever
His reason for not fulfilling the Promise immediately, is entirely His prerogative. However, for
us, if you would just be real, God’s timing can be frustrating, discouraging and at times, you may
even fall prey to hopelessness. God wants to remind us during this fast, THAT HIS PROMISES
ARE STILL VALID…HIS PROMISES ARE STILL YES AND AMEN! Understand that right now
you may be experiencing some discomfort like a pregnant woman, but the “process” is necessary.
We can look at our Biblical brothers and sisters such as Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph or
Esther, and even our Lord and Savior, Christ Himself, who will all testify that they experienced
some discomfort, they endured some disappointments, some tried to help God out because He
was taking too long, some were lied on, some risked their life… BUT, God made them a promise!
I am sure, that they will all testify, that the process, the measurements, the method, the route, the
means, the course of action God used to bring to pass the manifested Promise was pale in
comparison to his BLESSINGS!
During this second week of the fast, remember, that our pain and suffering has purpose. It is an
opportunity to see the Sovereignty, the Power, and the Supernatural working of Christ in our
lives. I read a quote that said, “We have to redirect our posture from worry, anxiousness, and
overwhelmed…to WORSHIP.” Worship will cause us to keep the Lord, his Promises, and the
process in proper perspective! Choose to Worship this week rather than give in to the discomfort
6and pain of the process! Remember, our light affliction is but for a moment… your pain, your
discomfort does have an expiration date! Know that the “process” is working for you!
WEEK TWO SCRIPTURE READING
Tuesday, January 12, 2021
• Romans 5:3-5 NLT - 3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know
that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and
character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5 And this hope will not lead to
disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy
Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
• Hebrews 10:36 ERV - 36 You must be patient. After you have done what God wants, you will
get what he promised you.
Wednesday, January 13, 2021
• Hebrews 6:9-12 NIV - 9 Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are confident of better
things in your case - things that accompany salvation. 10 God is not unjust; he will not forget
your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to
help them. 11 We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to
make your hope sure. 12 We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through
faith and patience inherit what has been promised.
Thursday, January 14, 2021
• Hebrews 6:15 NIV - 15 And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.
• James 1:2-4 NIV - 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,
3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4 Perseverance must
finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Friday, January 15, 2021
• 2 Thessalonians 1:4 ERV - 4 So we tell the other churches of God how proud we are of you.
We tell them how you patiently continue to be strong and have faith, even though you are
being persecuted and are suffering many troubles.
• Rom 8:28 NLT - 28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good
of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
Saturday, January 16, 2021
• Exodus 5:22-6:1 ERV - 22 Then Moses prayed to the Lord and said, "Lord, why have you done
this terrible thing to your people? Why did you send me here? 23 I went to Pharaoh and said
what you told me to say. But since that time he has made the people suffer, and you have done
nothing to help them!" 6:1 Then the Lord said to Moses, "Now you will see what I will do to
Pharaoh. I will use my great power against him, and he will let my people go. He will be so
ready for them to leave that he will force them to go."
7Sunday, January 17, 2021
• Colossians 1:11-12 TLB - 11 We are praying, too, that you will be filled with his mighty,
glorious strength so that you can keep going no matter what happens - always full of the joy
of the Lord, 12 and always thankful to the Father who has made us fit to share all the
wonderful things that belong to those who live in the Kingdom of light.
• 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 TLB - 16 Always be joyful. 17 Always keep on praying. 18 No matter
what happens, always be thankful, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
Monday, January 18, 2021
• Habakkuk 2:3 TLB - 3 But these things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily,
surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair,
for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single
day!
• Isaiah 60:22b NLT - 22b… At the right time, I, the Lord, will make it happen."
WEEK THREE
Author Elder Shawana Barnes
When the Pain is Replaced by the Joy of the Manifested Promise
Faith...involves trusting in the future promises of God and waiting for their fulfillment.
- R. C. Sproul
Background Scripture 1 Samuel 1:1-28
“Then they rose early in the morning and worshiped before the Lord, and returned and came to their
house at Ramah. And Elkanah knew Hannah his wife, and the Lord remembered her. 20 So it came to pass
in the process of time that Hannah conceived and bore a son, and called his name
Samuel, saying, “Because I have asked for him from the Lord.” 1 Samuel 1:19-20 NKJV
“For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the
"Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God.” 2 Corinthians 1:20 NIV
Conceiving, carrying and delivering a baby is as old as time itself; yet the process to get to the
manifestation of a live and healthy child still takes time and will require sacrifice. The process still
requires waiting, watching, change and pain. Producing the promise of something live and
healthy requires a change in the way a mother lives her everyday life. Some may have to change
their diet, work habits, social circles and even their personal habits. Almost all mothers are willing
to make the sacrifice to experience the joy of the manifested promise; a live and healthy baby.
Once the child is delivered and the promise of a healthy child manifest, the mother can return to
her past habits or she can continue to live a healthier lifestyle.
8In 1 Samuel 1:19-20, we read about the manifestation of the promise but, if we look at the verses
prior, we learn that Hannah had experienced hurt, disappointment and ridicule when she was
unable to bare a child. She had been faithful in prayer and worship and had expressed her
willingness to sacrifice to receive the promise. Finally, in verse 20, we see “it came to pass in the
process of time that Hannah conceived and bore a son, and called his name Samuel”. Hannah
experienced great joy in that moment because as the scripture says she had asked for him from
the Lord. At this moment, Hannah experienced the joy of the promise! She was FINALLY able to
see, feel and touch what she had been longing for, but it did not come easily and it did not come
quickly. It was a long awaited and welcomed promise. It was the manifestation of all the waiting
and watching, the visualization of the desires of her heart.
When the promise replaced the pain, Hannah had a choice to make. She had promised the Lord
she would return her son to Him permanently and would not keep him for herself. When the
pain was replaced with the joy of the fulfilled promise, it would have been easy for her to take
the credit for the birth of Samuel and return to her home without acknowledging God had
answered her prayers. Hannah chose to keep the promise she made to God and Samuel became
a great prophet, teacher and spiritual leader. Her choice to continue to worship and sacrifice when
the pain was replaced with the joy of the promise impacted a nation. There is no better time to
rejoice in the Lord than when the promise is manifested. Our actions at the point of manifestation
are pivotal in our testimony.
During the third and final week of our corporate fast, ask God to prepare you for the joy that
comes with the manifestation of the promise. No matter how many promises God makes they are
YES and will come to pass! We can rejoice in knowing the day is approaching when we too will
see, feel and touch every promise. Ask God to help you remember the pain and the process when
you experience the joy that comes when the promise is manifested. Ask Him to draw you nearer
to Him in worship and to strengthen you so you will acknowledge him and be a witness for Him
when the joy of the promise is delivered.
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith
produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete,
lacking nothing. … Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will
receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” James 1:2-4,12b
“But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a
while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.” 1 Peter 5:10
“Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who
has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh
for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.” 1 Peter 4:1-2
9WEEK THREE SCRIPTURE READING
Tuesday, January 19, 2021
• Psalms 126:5 NKJV - 5 Those who sow in tears Shall reap in joy.
• Psalms 90:15-17 NLT - 15 Give us gladness in proportion to our former misery! Replace the
evil years with good. 16 Let us, your servants, see you work again; let our children see your
glory. 17 And may the Lord our God show us his approval and make our efforts successful.
Yes, make our efforts successful!
Wednesday, January 20, 2021
• Psalms 30:11 NLT - 11 You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken
away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy,
• Jeremiah 31:13 NLT - 13 The young women will dance for joy, and the men - old and young -
will join in the celebration. I will turn their mourning into joy. I will comfort them and
exchange their sorrow for rejoicing.
Thursday, January 21, 2021
• Isaiah 61:2-3a TLB - 2 He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of God's favor to
them has come, and the day of his wrath to their enemies. 3 To all who mourn in Israel he will
give: beauty for ashes; joy instead of mourning; praise instead of heaviness…
• Genesis 41:51 Message Bible - 51 Joseph named the firstborn Manasseh (Forget), saying, "God
made me forget all my hardships and my parental home."
Friday, January 22, 2021
• Psalms 30:5 NKJV - 5 For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may
endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning.
• Jeremiah 31:15-17, 25 NLT - 15 This is what the Lord says: "A cry is heard in Ramah - deep
anguish and bitter weeping. Rachel weeps for her children, refusing to be comforted - for her
children are gone." 16 But now this is what the Lord says: "Do not weep any longer, for I will
reward you," says the Lord. "Your children will come back to you from the distant land of the
enemy. 17 There is hope for your future," says the Lord. "Your children will come again to
their own land. 25 For I have given rest to the weary and joy to the sorrowing.
Saturday, Jan 23, 2021
• Psalms 102:13 NKJV - 13 You will arise and have mercy on Zion; For the time to favor her,
Yes, the set time, has come.
• Psalms 56:8-11 NLT - 8 You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in
your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book. 9 My enemies will retreat when I call
to you for help. This I know: God is on my side! 10 I praise God for what he has promised;
Yes, I praise the Lord for what he has promised. 11 I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?
What can mere mortals do to me?
10Sunday, January 24, 2021
• 2 Kings 4:12-17 NLT - 12 He said to his servant Gehazi, "Tell the woman from Shunem I want
to speak to her." When she appeared, 13 Elisha said to Gehazi, "Tell her, 'We appreciate the
kind concern you have shown us. What can we do for you? Can we put in a good word for
you to the king or to the commander of the army?'" "No," she replied, "my family takes good
care of me." 14 Later Elisha asked Gehazi, "What can we do for her?" Gehazi replied, "She
doesn't have a son, and her husband is an old man." 15 "Call her back again," Elisha told him.
When the woman returned, Elisha said to her as she stood in the doorway, 16 "Next year at
this time you will be holding a son in your arms!" "No, my lord!" she cried. "O man of God,
don't deceive me and get my hopes up like that." 17 But sure enough, the woman soon became
pregnant. And at that time the following year she had a son, just as Elisha had said.
Monday, January 25, 2021
• Psalms 20:4-5 NLT - 4 May he grant your heart's desires and make all your plans succeed. 5
May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory and raise a victory banner in the name of
our God. May the Lord answer all your prayers.
• Psalms 146:1-2 TLB - 1 Praise the Lord! Yes, really praise him! 2 I will praise him as long as I
live, yes, even with my dying breath.
Tuesday, January 26, 2021
• Psalms 5:11-12 NLT - 11 But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them sing joyful praises
forever. Spread your protection over them, that all who love your name may be filled with
joy. 12 For you bless the godly, O Lord; you surround them with your shield of love.
• Psalms 119:49-50 NKJV - 49 Remember the word to Your servant, Upon which You have
caused me to hope. 50 This is my comfort in my affliction, For Your word has given me life.
• Psalms 27:13-14 NKJV - 13 I would have lost heart, unless I had believed That I would see the
goodness of the Lord In the land of the living. 14 Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And
He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!
CONCLUSION
Author Minister Kabrice Lewis
The dichotomous relationship between the pain and the blessing directs us back to a very familiar
scripture passage. Paul encourages us in Romans 8:27 NLT, “And we know that God causes
everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his
purpose.” Many times, our pain is associated with our purpose. There are no exclusions in Paul’s
words. The intense pain is working for your good! The prolonged wait is working for your good!
The job lay-off is working for your good! The prodigal son or daughter is working for the good!
The death, yes, even that excruciating experience of losing a dear loved one; whether it was by a
physical or relational death is working for the good! Paul inspires us with hope to press and push
through because we can have the blessed assurance of knowing that although it may not look,
sound, feel, smell or taste good; as the songwriter William Murphy reminds us, “everything is
11working together for your good” because “God is leaning in your direction”. The present
circumstances or situation may not appeal to your five senses. The struggle of the tug of war
between what God said and what you actually see is becoming overwhelmingly exhausting. Your
attempts at trying to remain in the right position is becoming intensely uncomfortable; but keep
your position of faith. Mary was blessed because she believed - “Blessed is she who believed for
there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord,” Luke 1:45 NKJV.
Hold on, your labor is not in vain! During labor, the mother’s positioning and perspective is vital
and therapeutic. It helps with pain management and reducing complications. Like labor, our
positioning and perspective can assist us with managing the pain of the process. First, maintain
a “Faith Focused” perspective. During labor, sometimes the mother is encouraged to concentrate
on an object in the room or her partner’s eyes. This is known as a focal point. What or who is your
focal point? Throughout the Bible, we are instructed to keep our minds stayed and fixed on God
and the realities of Heaven. We are reminded to walk by faith and not by sight. Secondly,
maintain a “Faith Fixed” position. 1 Corinthians 15:58 KJV states, “Therefore, my beloved
brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord”. Ephesians 5:19
NLT, instructs us to sing Psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and make
music to the Lord in your hearts. As mention earlier, “We have to redirect our posture from worry,
anxiousness, and overwhelmed to WORSHIP.” As you are patiently waiting, resolve in your
heart that though the blessing tarries, you will WORK & WORSHIP. In addition, we must also
PRAY! - Philippians 4:6 NLT, “Don’t worry about anything, instead pray about everything”. God
wants to remind us during this fast, THAT HIS PROMISES ARE STILL VALID… HIS PROMISES
ARE STILL YES AND AMEN! Understand, right now, you may be experiencing some discomfort
like a pregnant woman, but the “process” is necessary. Your contractions are becoming intense,
but the pain from the contractions is promoting an environment conducive for delivery. We must
remember, contractions are necessary because they are responsible for dilating (opening) the
expectant mother’s cervix and helping the baby descend into the birth canal for delivery. It is not
time to give up! It is time to PUSH! The pain from the process is necessary, but the pushing is
equally necessary… Press Until Something Happens (PUSH). The pain may be getting more
intense, but every time you feel the pain of the wait, PUSH! The pain of the loneliness, PUSH
harder! The pain of the grief, PUSH harder! The pain of the bankruptcy, PUSH harder! The pain
of the uncertainty, PUSH harder! Soon the push will transition you “from the pain to the
blessing”. The pain of labor will cease and God’s promise(s) of something new will be celebrated!
12General Fasting Info
Why Everyone Should Fast
If you’ve never fasted, now is the best time, as this is a joint venture! In the New Testament
Jesus, made mention of “when we fast” (not ‘if’), telling us that this should be a regular
discipline in our lives.
Types of Fasts
You may choose a “Daniel Fast” - a diet consisting of fruits and vegetables, or you can
participate in a total fast, consisting of water only, or a liquid fast of fresh juices. Other ways to
participate include fasting from television, radio, Internet or anything that you recognize as
having control over your life. Fasting is something the entire family can participate in to
varying degrees - each person in his/her own way.
About Fasting
It is much easier to fast while active. Fasting will cause hunger pangs initially, but you will get
the energy you need from stored fat in the body. If you are under the care of a Physician, please
seek his/her advice regarding the level of participation that is best suited to your physical
condition.
Why Fast?
Fasting is the most powerful spiritual discipline of all those discussed in the Bible. Through
fasting and prayer, the Holy Spirit can transform your life and produce incredible results.
Prayer alone is mighty, but when combined with fasting, it produces a powerful force which
hell cannot prevail against.
Filling Ourselves During a Fast
The secret to being filled with the Spirit of God is first to empty ourselves. Through fasting, we
empty ourselves of food so that He can fill us. Food is man’s greatest carnal impulse. Fasting
helps you to “master” this appetite. When you can control the strongest appetite, you can gain
control of the other carnal appetites as well. Your appetite acts as a prayer alarm. Instead of
eating to satisfy your cravings, you pray. This keeps you focused all day long. We replace
pleasures of the flesh with spiritual pleasure. Psalms 34:8 says, “Oh, taste and see that the Lord
is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him!” Taste is a trigger which sets off certain physical
and mental reactions or connections. When you taste the Lord through fasting and prayer, it
triggers various reactions in your heart.
Best Ways to Prepare for the Fast
While hunger pangs and weakness can be an expected part of many fasts, you need not
dehydrate, faint or get sick while fasting. There are several ways to prepare yourself physically
for a healthy fast.
13Days Before the Fast
1. Stop eating foods that are high in caffeine and sugar
2. Begin drinking more water than usual
Day Before the Fast
1. Eat something small every two hours
2. Avoid foods with caffeine and salt
3. Drink plenty of water
Final Meal Before the Fast
1. Plan the final meal early enough in the afternoon so that there’s no rush to finish before your
fast begins
2. Plan the menu of this final meal so that it contains high carbohydrates and low salts
3. Do not eat too much in the meal before the fast, but drink plenty of water
Good Advice for Ending Your Fast
After 21 days of fasting you may be tempted to “jump right back in” and eat some of the foods
you’ve missed. However, it’s much better to ease back into your normal eating habits rather
than suffer from an upset stomach by loading it with foods it’s not ready to digest. Here are
some healthy ideas for ending your fast:
1. Begin with the simple B.R.A.T. diet recommended for upset stomachs - Bananas, Rice,
Applesauce, Toast
2. Begin with broth soups and avoid heavy carbs and proteins
3. Eat something small and light every two hours and drink plenty of water
Health Benefits of a Fast
In addition to the countless spiritual benefits a person experiences through fasting, there are
also many valuable health benefits.
1. The body goes through a natural detoxification process, allowing the release of poisons and
toxins from the system.
2. Energy is diverted away from the digestive system due to its lack of use, and instead is
routed to the metabolism and immune system.
3. You become rejuvenated due to an improved immune system, as well as the increased
production of hormones.
4. The body begins to use stored fat as an energy source, which positively affects your
cholesterol levels, blood pressure and weight.
14What to Expect from a Fast
Excerpt from “You Are Not What You Weigh” by Lisa Bevere
1) Fasting Creates a New Hunger
“So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.” ~Ezra 8:32
When you fast ... you become hungry. At first, it may be hunger for food or whatever you are
fasting from, but as the initial hunger pangs or longings cease, a new desire is formed. Fasting
causes you to hunger in the midst of abundance.
2) Fasting Increases Sensitivity to God
“There was also a prophetess, Anna...she never left the temple but worshipped night and day, fasting and
praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all
who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem” ~Luke 2:36-38
From this account of the widow woman, Anna, we can see that fasting and prayer had
developed such a keen sensitivity in her that she perceived the Christ child at only a few days
old. She could hear clearly what God was saying.
3) Fasting Works Humility
“Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting. When my prayers returned
to me unanswered...” ~Psalms 35:13
When we fast, we deny ourselves food; we often feel our natural strength waning. In our
weakness, we find ourselves more dependent upon God. It is a confrontation with the flesh; a
time when we deny it satisfaction and provision. It is a time of turning aside from what we can
provide and turning toward what God alone can give. This is often the setting for a
confrontation between the spirit and the flesh. After forty days in the wilderness, Jesus was
hungry physically; Satan came to tempt Him - to use His position as the Son of God to create
bread from stone. But, instead, Jesus humbled Himself and answered, “It is written: ‘Man does
not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” ~ Matthew 4:4
4) Fasting Chastens or Disciplines
“When I wept and chastened my soul with fasting that became my reproach.” ~Psalms 69:10
David maintained His spiritual life by means of bringing his body into subjection. Through self-
inflicted chastening, we steady and strengthen our spiritual walk.
5) Fasting Changes Our Appetite
“While they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and
Saul for the work to which I have called them’.” ~Acts 13:2
15While fasting, you may find that God reveals a “change of plans” from what you are currently
doing or even feel “called” to do. God often uses times of fasting and prayer to speak to the
desires of our hearts, and to reveal His purpose and destiny for our lives.
6) Fasting Increases Our Capacity
“Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days,
night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is
against the law. And if I perish, I perish.” ~Esther 4:16
This fast prepared Esther to overcome the fear of man - and even greater, her fear of death. This
fast increased her capacity for self-sacrifice while it imparted wisdom. The survival of a nation
depended on her willingness to lay down her life. She knew it was more than she could face in
her present condition with her present information, so she drew on God’s strength.
7) Fasting Brings Answers to Prayer
“Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and He will say: Here am I.” ~Isaiah
58:9
A godly fast will bring answered prayer. It is the atmosphere for answers to questions,
direction, help, and the revelation of God. It is a time when He says, “Here I am...I’m over here.
Come to me.” This revelation may come through His Word, or as a still small voice, or by a
strong confirmation of what He has previously shown us.
8) Fasting Leads to Quick Healing
“Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear.” ~Isaiah 58:8
God set up the fast as a manner of healing His people - a time when the darkness of oppression,
depression or infirmity is dispelled by light, such as the dawn. When this light breaks forth,
healing soon follows. This could mean many things. It could be a revelation of sin, which, when
repented of, allows healing to spring forth. It could mean a revelation of His will or Word,
which brings healing and freedom where there was once darkness or ignorance. This healing
could be physical, mental, or spiritual.
Even natural medicine supports this - many illnesses occur in the digestive system. A short fast
gives your body a chance to refocus its energies on healing instead of eating. (Please consult a
physician before undertaking a fast if you are ill.)
9) Fasting Opens the Door to God’s Protection and Provision
“Then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard” ~Isaiah
58:8
16God promised to be a guard before us and behind us. A fast renews your righteousness and
sends it on before you. Then, as you give God the glory, He returns righteousness as your rear
guard.
10) Fasting Looses Chains of Injustice
“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the
yoke...” ~Isaiah 58:6
The kind of fast God leads us into has the power to loose any unjust chains that bind us. It also
unties the cords tethering us to any yoke. This application is not limited merely to a personal
liberation for us - it represents God’s desire to see us reach out and loose the ties that bind
others, and remove the chains of oppression.
11) Fasting Frees the Oppressed and Breaks Every Yoke
“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the
yoke…” ~Isaiah 58:6
A fast is a time when we take our eyes off of ourselves and our own needs, and look around at
the oppression and pain of others. In response, we learn to reach out in compassion and help -
becoming agents of healing.
Jesus said that His yoke was easy and His burden was light. When we are carrying a burden
other than His; it is cumbersome, awkward, and heavy. There is nothing more frustrating than
feeling responsible for something over which you have no authority. It will weigh you down
with hopelessness and frustration. During a fast, God checks these areas in our lives and
exposes the yokes of fear, worry, stress and turmoil. He removes them and readjusts His yoke
for our life, the one that keeps us dependent upon Him. If you’re feeling weighed down
perhaps you are carrying too much.
12) Fasting Motivates Us to Provide Food for the Needy
“Is it not to share your food with the hungry...” ~Isaiah 58:7
The benefit is obvious - if you are not eating because of a fast, then you are free to share your
portion with those less fortunate. Maybe you should give away any food lingering in your
refrigerator or pantry that has a significant pull on you. Share with someone else, but don’t
proclaim or herald your fast... just give it to them.
Fasting is Not a Burden - It’s a Privilege
Fasting is intimate and private. It originates in the secret place between you and God. He waits
in the secret place for you to join Him. After we visit Him in secret, He will reward us openly.
Inward transformation brings about an outward anointing, blessing and provision. Inward
transformation positions us for the promotion of the Lord. He will:
17Prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
~ Psalms 23:5-6
This passage describes the open reward of the Lord. It is a feast of provision; it brings an
assurance of His presence. Even during opposition, the believer who fasts as an act of
separation from the world receives the rewards of God.
Bible Reading and Prayer Focus
During the fast, set aside one to two hours per day for worship, devotion and prayer. The Word
of God will feed your spirit and bring fresh conviction to your heart. Spend time reading and
meditating on scripture, and then praying for conviction and freedom in the specific areas
revealed to you by God. It is also recommended that you keep a journal of all that He
illuminates in your heart.
1827 WAYS OF FASTING
Alternative Ways or Types of Fasts
Please note these are suggestions only, you can fast in other ways and/or use a combination of
the various methods. Remember if you have any doubts about fasting and/or a medical
condition, please consult your doctor.
1. Midnight until 3:00pm abstaining from All meals for 21 days.
2. Eating only 2 meals a day for 21 days.
3. Eating only 1 meal a day for 21 days.
4. Giving up All meals 3 days a week for 3 weeks.
5. Giving up All meals 1 day a week for 3 weeks.
6. Daniel Fast: Eating only Nuts, Grains, Fruits, and Vegetables for 21 days.
7. Giving up All food and drinking Water and/or Juice only for 3 weeks.
8. No Television for 21 days.
9. No Coffee or Caffeine for 21 days.
10. No Video Games for 21 days.
11. No Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, Twitter or other social websites for 21 days.
12. No Desserts, Sweets, Soft Drinks, or Chocolate for 21 days.
13. All meals for 7 days, 2 meals a day for 7 days, 1 meal a day for 7 days.
14. No sex for 21 days.
15. No music, radio, morning drive talk show or iPod for 21 days except Gospel.
16. No reading except your bible and self-help books for 21 days.
17. Limited telephone and email usage for 21 days.
18. No fried foods or fast foods for 21 days.
19. No meats for 21 days.
20. No mall, online, or department store shopping or using credit cards for 21 days.
21. No smoking, No beer, No wine or alcoholic beverage for 21 days.
22. No nightclubs or partying for 21 days.
23. No gossiping or speaking evil of anyone for 21 days.
24. Only positive thoughts and deeds for 21 days. No complaining for 21 days.
25. No eating after dinner.
26. No fake cleaning your room.
27. Say 4 nice things a day to those who you love (parents, sisters, brother, spouse, etc).
19GUIDELINES FOR DANIEL FAST
Foods We May Eat
Whole Grains: Brown Rice, Oats, Barley
Legumes: Dried Beans, Pinto Beans, Split Peas, Lentils, Black Eyed Peas
Fruits: Apples, Apricots, Bananas, Blackberries, Blueberries, Boy-senberries, Cantaloupe,
Cherries, Cranberries, Oats, Figs, Grapefruit, Grapes, Guava, Honeydew Melon, Kiwi, Lemons,
Limes, Mangoes, Nectarines, Papayas, Peaches, Pears, Pineapples, Plums, Prunes, Raisins,
Raspberries, Strawberries, Tangelos, Tangerines, Watermelon
Vegetables: Artichokes, Asparagus, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots,
Cauliflower, Celery, Chili Peppers, Corn, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Garlic, Gingerroot, Kale, Leeks,
Lettuce, Mushrooms, Mustard Greens, Okra, Onions, Parsley, Potatoes, Radishes, Rutabagas,
Scallions, Spinach, Sprouts, Squashes, Sweet Potatoes, Tomatoes, Turnips, Watercress, Yams,
Zucchini
Other: Seeds, Nuts, Sprouts
Liquids: Spring Water, Distilled Water, 100% All-Natural Fruit Juices, 100% All Natural
Vegetable Juices
Foods to Avoid
All meat and animal products including but not limited to beef, lamb, pork, poultry, and fish
White Rice, Fried Foods and Caffeine
Beverages including but not limited to coffee, tea, herbal teas, carbonated beverages, energy
drinks, and alcohol
Foods containing preservatives or additives
Refined Sugar-white sugar, sugar substitutes, All sweeteners
White Flour and All products using it
All dairy products including but not limited to milk, cheese, cream, butter, and eggs
Margarine, shortening, high fat products, oils
All deep-fried foods including but not limited to potato chips, French fries, corn chips
20Sample Prayer and Fasting Journal
Date: _______________________
Have I …
Confessed & Repented of my sins? Yes No
Thanked the Lord for his blessings? Yes No
Used the time wisely that God has given me this day? Yes No
Prayed for Others, my church, other churches? Yes No
Thought or spoken kindly to family and friends today? Yes No
Meditated upon God’s Word today? Yes No
My prayer request(s) are:
Insights from my Bible reading are:
The practical steps I will take to change are:
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
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