Pastor Steve’s Blog

It began on January 31st when I challenged the South Sound Church family to do a 21 day fast where we redirected our appetites heavenward.  I made the challenge because I truly believe God wants to do some wonderful things in our lives personally and in the life of SSC, and I believe that sometimes we have to do something different from the norm to understand what He wants to do.  With that said, on February 1st we began our 21 day journey together.

Our Scriptural focus for these past few weeks, as we’ve been fasting, has been Matthew 6.  This chapter is right in the middle of the great Sermon on the Mount delivered by Jesus Christ.  In this sermon He deals with a number of different issues, and in Chapter 6 He speaks to three things that are important in the life of every Christ-follower.  He addresses the subjects of giving, prayer and fasting.  He then gives specific instructions regarding each.  (I would suggest you read Matthew 6:1-18.)

Anyway, we have been on this journey and yes it has been difficult at times, but the rewards and blessings have been worth it.  God has been working in the lives of the SSC family in so many amazing ways.  There have been reports of His provision in ways never imagined.  Others have received promotions, jobs and things people have been praying for for a long time have taken place.  Still others have testified to what God has been showing them during their quiet times, and the changes that have taken place in their lives.  Praise the Lord!

Now as I share some of the praise reports, I have to also tell you that the enemy has been on the warpath and some have gone through some very difficult days.  Yet the testimony of those have been so encouraging.  Because of the fast, they were not overwhelmed as they have been in the past.  The reason is when we redirect our appetites heavenward, we are so much more focused on Him.  So when the difficulties come, we acknowledge His presence and power and we live with victory over the situation.  Praise the Lord!

As we are coming to the close of these 21 days, I want to challenge all of us to make fasting a regular part of our journey with Him, not just a one time thing.  If you’ve never experienced a fast, I encourage to jump in and do it.  You will be amazed at what God wants to do in your life.  You can start with a one day or a three day fast, you don’t have to do a 21 day fast.  I challenged SSC to 21 days because that is a “Breakthrough Fast”, and we are wanting to see some great breakthroughs in the life of South Sound.

To all of you that have made this journey with me I say “Thanks for walking with me.”  I truly believe that we have just begun to see what He has in store for us personally and for His great church - South Sound.  Have a great day and God Bless!