FASTING FOR DIVINE DIRECTION

Title: FASTING FOR DIVINE DIRECTION

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Acts 13:1-3
Supporting Texts: Isaiah 30:21, Proverbs 3:5-6, James 1:5

INTRODUCTION:
In the journey of life, there are moments when we find ourselves at crossroads, uncertain of the direction to take. During such times, seeking divine direction becomes crucial for making decisions that align with God’s will. Fasting is a powerful spiritual discipline that positions us to hear from God with clarity and precision. In this sermon, we will explore how fasting for divine direction brings us closer to God’s heart and empowers us to make wise decisions in line with His purpose for our lives.

1. THE PURPOSE OF SEEKING DIVINE DIRECTION

a) Understanding the Need for Divine Guidance
In life, we are often confronted with choices, and the pressure to make the right decision can be overwhelming. Without God's guidance, we may walk in the wrong direction.

b) The Role of the Holy Spirit in Leading Us
The Holy Spirit is our helper and guide. He speaks to us, leads us into all truth, and shows us the way forward (John 16:13).

c) Recognizing God’s Voice in the Midst of Many Voices
The world is filled with many voices, but only God's voice offers true guidance. Fasting helps us to tune out distractions and hear from God more clearly.

d) God’s Will as the Ultimate Goal
When seeking divine direction, the ultimate goal is not just to make decisions but to align ourselves with God’s perfect will for our lives.

e) Biblical Example: Jesus Seeking the Father's Will (Luke 22:41-42)
In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus fasted and prayed, submitting His will to the Father’s, showing us the importance of seeking God’s direction, even when facing difficult decisions.

2. HOW FASTING OPENS US TO GOD’S VOICE

a) Humbling Ourselves Before God
Fasting is an act of humbling ourselves, acknowledging our dependence on God. As we fast, we show God that we prioritize His will over our own desires (James 4:10).

b) Fasting as a Time of Quiet Reflection
When we fast, we remove distractions, allowing us to hear God's voice more clearly. It’s a time to pause and reflect on His Word and the leading of the Spirit.

c) Fasting as a Heart Preparation for Direction
Fasting prepares our hearts to receive God’s guidance. When our hearts are purified and focused, we are better able to discern His leading.

d) Aligning Our Hearts with God’s Plans
Through fasting, we align our desires with God’s desires, making it easier to recognize and follow His direction.

e) Biblical Example: Daniel’s Prayer and Fasting for Understanding (Daniel 9:3)
Daniel sought God for understanding and direction through fasting and prayer, and God responded by giving him clear revelation.

3. THE BENEFITS OF FASTING FOR DIVINE DIRECTION

a) Clearer Vision and Guidance
Fasting helps clear the spiritual clutter and provides sharper vision to hear God's voice. This allows us to see more clearly the path God wants us to take.

b) Breakthrough in Decision-Making
Many times, we face confusion in decision-making, but fasting brings breakthrough as God gives us clarity and peace regarding the choices before us.

c) Increased Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit
When we fast, we are more sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading, enabling us to recognize the subtle ways He guides us in making decisions.

d) Strengthening Our Faith to Follow God’s Will
As we receive divine direction, fasting strengthens our faith to follow God’s guidance, even when it may seem contrary to human logic.

e) Biblical Example: Paul and Barnabas Seeking Direction for Ministry (Acts 13:1-3)
The early church fasted and prayed to seek God’s direction regarding the mission field, and God clearly led them to send Paul and Barnabas.

4. THE CONNECTION BETWEEN FASTING AND OBEDIENCE TO GOD'S DIRECTION

a) Hearing God’s Voice Clearly
Fasting removes the spiritual distractions and enhances our ability to hear the voice of God clearly, giving us the instructions we need for the next steps.

b) Acting in Faith on God’s Instructions
Fasting increases our faith, helping us to step out in obedience when God directs us, even when we don’t fully understand the outcome (Proverbs 3:5-6).

c) Building Spiritual Strength to Obey
Fasting strengthens our resolve to obey God’s directions, even when it’s challenging or requires sacrifice.

d) Fasting as a Response to God’s Leading
The clarity we receive through fasting often calls for immediate action, and fasting strengthens our willingness to respond quickly to God’s instructions.

e) Biblical Example: Jonah’s Obedience After Fasting (Jonah 3:5-10)
After Jonah’s fasting and prayer, he obeyed God’s command to go to Nineveh and deliver the message of repentance, resulting in the city’s repentance and salvation.

5. KEY STEPS TO FASTING FOR DIVINE DIRECTION

a) Set Clear Intentions for Your Fast
Before beginning your fast, set clear intentions and ask God to speak to you regarding specific areas of your life where you need His direction.

b) Engage in Focused Prayer During Your Fast
Fasting without prayer is incomplete. Take time during your fast to seek God’s face and pray specifically for divine guidance and wisdom.

c) Immerse Yourself in God’s Word
During a fast, immerse yourself in Scripture, as the Word of God is the primary way He speaks to His people. Let the Scriptures be a guide during your fasting period.

d) Be Sensitive to God’s Promptings
While fasting, be attentive to the Holy Spirit’s promptings. God often speaks through impressions, Scriptures, and inner peace or unrest.

e) Biblical Example: Esther's Fast for Direction (Esther 4:15-16)
Esther, facing a life-or-death situation, called for a fast to seek God’s direction on how to approach the king, leading to divine intervention.

CONCLUSION:
Fasting for divine direction is a powerful tool in the believer’s life. It allows us to humble ourselves before God, tune into His voice, and receive clear guidance for every area of life. As we fast, we grow in our sensitivity to God’s leading and our obedience to His will. Let us commit to seeking God's direction through fasting, trusting that He will lead us on the right path, regardless of the challenges we may face.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, I humble myself before You in fasting, seeking Your divine direction in my life.

2. Father, open my spiritual ears to hear Your voice clearly during this time of fasting.

3. I pray for the grace to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading in every decision I make.

4. Lord, guide me in the areas where I am confused, and bring clarity to my situation.

5. Father, give me the wisdom to make decisions that align with Your will for my life.

6. I surrender my plans to You, Lord, and ask for Your direction in every area of my life.

7. Lord, remove any distractions that hinder me from hearing Your voice.

8. I trust You, Father, to lead me in the way I should go, and I will obey Your guidance.

9. Help me to act on the instructions You give me during this fast, Lord, with faith and obedience.

10. Father, as I fast, I believe You will show me the next steps I need to take according to Your will.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. As you fast and seek divine direction, God will make His will clear to you in every situation.

2. I declare that God will give you wisdom and clarity in your decision-making, in Jesus' name.

3. Every cloud of confusion is lifted, and God will guide you with precision and accuracy.

4. The Holy Spirit will speak to you clearly and give you the direction you need in every area of your life.

5. I declare that you will be sensitive to God’s voice and obedient to His instructions during this time of fasting.

6. Your fasting will lead to divine breakthroughs as God directs your path.

7. God will lead you to the right decisions, and you will walk in His perfect will.

8. I declare that as you seek God’s face, He will make your way prosperous and your plans will succeed.

9. You will hear the voice of God more clearly than ever before, leading you to places of divine favor.

10. As you fast for divine direction, God will open doors that no man can shut, and you will walk in His victory.