Fasting Day 2: Surrender
As we continue in this time of fasting and prayer, today our focus turns to surrender.
Fasting reminds us that spiritual breakthrough rarely comes through our own strength; it comes when we humble ourselves before the Lord and allow His heart to shape ours.
Psalm 10:17 says: “O Lord, You have heard the desire of the humble;
You will strengthen their heart, You will incline Your ear.”
Surrender is not weakness… it is trust. It is the posture of a heart that says, “God, I am available. Strengthen me. Lead me. I will follow.”
Today, we are praying that God would stir a fresh compassion in us that doesn’t just notice people, but truly sees them. And here’s what will happen.
- Compassion will push us to prayer.
- Prayer will enable us to hear God.
- Hearing God should result in surrender.
In 1 Samuel 3, we see a powerful picture of surrender in the life of young Samuel. In the quiet of the night, God called his name, and Samuel responded: “Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening.”
Samuel didn’t negotiate or resist.
He didn’t ask God to speak on his terms.
He surrendered, and God used his life to shape a nation.
Our prayer today is that God would awaken urgency in us, not anxiety! This God-driven urgency results in a burden to pray for the lost, a passion to participate in the ongoing work of the gospel, and a desire to make heaven crowded. We should all pray, “God, use my life in the mission of Jesus Christ in the world.”
It’s in our surrender that God does His greatest work through our lives.
As many are praying for God to “send workers” to GCF Waco, below is a good framework for hearing God’s direction.
We surrender together to the call,
Brandon Heckler, Lead Pastor
Our Mission: Transforming Lives for Christ
How will I know that I’m hearing God?
For those contemplating God’s call on their lives, here are some questions to ask.
“Am I called to plant a church in Waco?”
This is different from excitement about what’s new at Grace or even about planting churches. Those called will have a deep burden for the city God calls them to.
“Am I clear this is God?”
There is a “deep knowing” when God calls you. It’s deeper than an excitement or a feeling in the moment. God does not give up on something He speaks to His people. It lingers. It calls.
“Am I listening to God or something else?”
It’s easy to be influenced by others or our feelings, but those who hear God’s call will experience a deep peace that they’ve heard God directly. They won’t look for signs or to other people to tell them what God is saying, as God speaks directly to His children.
“Have I asked my leaders to pray for me?”
Don’t live life in a vacuum! There’s a lot of health in speaking with pastors and getting counsel as you seek God’s direction. God is speaking, and we believe He will be clear with each of you!
If you are looking for more direction, I’d highly recommend listening to the series Hearing God’s Voice.
