Fasting Forward Challenge: Navigating Seasons of Transition

Jul 10, 2024

Fasting Forward Challenge

Key Points from the Lecture

Introduction

  • Community and Organization: Introduction to the fasting community and the release of a new Telegram group for the community.
  • Purpose of Fasting: Fasting is about humility, receiving God's favor, moving us closer to God, and a soul detox.
  • Today's Focus: Discussion on the season of transition and what to do while waiting and transitioning.

Life and Seasons

  • Biblical Evidence:
    • Scripture on Seasons: Genesis 8:22, Ecclesiastes 3:1, Galatians 6:9, Psalm 102:13, Psalm 30:5, 2 Timothy 4:2, Daniel 2:21.
    • Cycles of Life: Night and day, life and death—cyclical nature as per God's timing.
  • Practical Implications:
    • Natural Seasons Comparison: Four seasons—winter, spring, summer, fall. Life has similarly varied seasons.
    • Seasons’ Impact: Different seasons bring different stress; it's normal, not permanent.

Stress and Transition

  • Stress in Transition: Acknowledges increased stress during transition due to changes.
  • Examples from Scripture:
    • Abraham: Called to go without knowing the destination (Hebrews 11:8).
    • Joshua: Leading people in untraveled territory (Joshua 3:4).
    • Solomon: Struggles of stepping into David's shoes (1 Kings 3:7).
  • Change Causes Stress: Both positive and negative events can be stressors.
  • Handling Stress: Don’t ask God to remove the stress; ask Him to increase strength.
  • Scientific Insights: Dr. Holmes and Rahe's research on stress and illness connection.

Exiting the Old to Enter the New

  • Biblical References:
    • Leaving the Old: Ecclesiastes 3:1, Isaiah 43:18-19, Philippians 3:13, 1 Samuel 16:1.
  • Grieving and Moving Forward: Importance of grieving past seasons but moving forward to embrace new opportunities.
  • Practical Steps:
    • Grieve but don’t stay stuck: Move forward with fresh vision and purpose.

Spirit and Attitude

  • Attitude in New Seasons:
    • Scriptural Insights: Numbers 11:24, Matthew 9:16-17.
    • Positive Outlook: See opportunities in obstacles and blessings in battles.
  • Optimism and Faith: Embrace challenges with a faithful and optimistic attitude.
  • Biblical Examples:
    • Joshua and Caleb: Different spirits, seeing God's provision in challenges.
    • Joseph: Problem-solving attitude brought promotion.
  • Practical Mindsets: Focus on gratitude and readiness to learn and solve problems.

Recognizing and Adapting to New Seasons

  • Change of Scene:
    • Joseph's Four Seasons: From tunic of many colors to fine linen—each season reflected in his attire.
  • Adapting Life to Seasons:
    • Adjust Dress and Actions: Steward resources and time according to the season.
    • Practical Example: Dressing for the weather, adjusting finances and schedules.
  • Adaptation Over Conformity: Embrace new realities without losing core values and vision.

God's Consistent Presence

  • God’s Unchanging Nature:
    • Biblical Assurance: Genesis 29:2-3, Genesis 39:21-23—God was with Joseph in all seasons.
    • Encouragement: God does not change even when our seasons do.
  • Consistency in Faith: Stay attached to God, not the season.

New Supplies and Strategies

  • New Supplies: Transition into new resources of provision.
    • Scriptural Example: Joshua 5:12—shift from Mana to produce of Canaan.
    • Practical Insight: When one resource dries up, look for new ways God will provide.
  • New Sacrifices: Embrace new systems and sacrifices.
    • Scripture: Joshua 35, Genesis 41:14.
    • Giving and Sacrificing: Trust God's provision and prioritize Him in new seasons.
  • New Strategies and Stewardship: Adapt and manage the new season and its blessings well.
    • Scriptural Insight: Joshua 9:14—seek God’s counsel in new seasons, live by principles and be led by His presence.
  • Maintaining Blessings: Stewardship is crucial, not only obtaining but maintaining blessings.
    • Practical Examples: Jesus multiplying food, gathering fragments.
    • Joseph’s Stewardship: Managed resources well in famine and plenty.

Practical Takeaways

  • Seek God's Guidance: Especially in times of transition and new seasons.
  • Grieve and Move Forward: Properly grieve an old season but don't linger—embrace the new.
  • Have the Right Spirit: Cultivate a faithful, problem-solving attitude.
  • Adapt but Don’t Conform: Adjust life’s practices without forsaking core values.
  • Trust God's Consistency: His presence remains constant through all seasons.
  • Embrace New Sacrifices: Prioritize God in new seasons with new acts of faith and sacrifice.
  • Effective Stewardship: Manage God's blessings wisely for sustained success and growth.

Conclusion

  • Prayer and Encouragement: Emphasize seeking God's strength, wisdom, and guidance through transitions. Reflect on the biblical principles shared and adapt to new seasons faithfully and courageously.