From May 13, 2019 – May 19, 2019 we are praying and fasting 12 hours per day (6am – 6pm) only drinking water. Of course, if you need to eat to take medication, please do so.
The areas of focus for this fast will be discipline, commitment to Christ, and His purpose for our lives. It is based on Luke 22:54 – 62 when Peter denied Jesus. Each day, one principle from this passage will serve as the focus of our fast.
Day 2: May 14, 2019
After a little over 3 years of walking with Jesus, Peter still denied knowing Him when Jesus was on trial.
Luke 22: 58 A short time later, another person saw Peter and said, “You are also one of them.” But Peter said, “Man, I am not!”
This shows that you have to know who you are even when doubts are raised by those who should know you.
You have to know who you are even when doubts are raised by those who should know you.
Jesus was on trial for His life. He had already been abandoned by His family and friends. Now to add insult to injury, Peter, who was one of His closest followers, publicly denied knowing Him. This is the second time in the same night that Peter denied being a follower of Jesus! The discouragement could have been crushing had Jesus not known Who He was and why His mission was important.
Every true disciple of Jesus has, at some point, had their sincerity and motives challenged. Every true disciple of Jesus has, at some point, had to stand alone on their faith in God. If it has not happened then, as my mom used to say when I was growing up, “just keep living”. At some point, it will happen. It is an honor to be publicly associated with Jesus. It is an honor to know that we have purpose from God. It is an honor to know that He will empower us to live out our purpose.
“Body shaming” is a practice that, unfortunately, is all too real. The definition of “body shaming” is: the action or practice of humiliating someone by making mocking or critical comments about their body shape or size. Body shaming also happens in a spiritual sense to those who are in the Body of Christ. Unlike Peter, we should not be ashamed to publicly declare that we know Jesus. Nor should we ever be ashamed to live as one of His followers; even when we have to stand alone.
Pray today:
1. For the courage to openly live as a follower of Jesus, even when it is unpopular or discouraged,
2. To create, recognize, and take advantage of opportunities to share our Christian faith with others, and
3. For forgiveness for any time you did not live out your God-given purpose.
After you read and pray throughout the day, be sure to take at least 5 minutes to listen for God to respond. Keep a journal to record what you hear Him say.