Breakthrough Fasting

Genesis 38:27-30 New King James Version

Genesis 38:27 Now it came to pass, at the time for giving birth, that behold, twins were in her [Tamar’s] womb.

Genesis 38:28 And so it was, when she was giving birth, that the one put out his hand; and the midwife took a scarlet thread and bound it on his hand, saying, “This one came out first.”

Genesis 38:29 Then it happened, as he drew back his hand, that his brother came out unexpectedly; and she said, “How did you break through? This breach be upon you!” Therefore his name was called Perez [Breakthrough].

Genesis 38:30 Afterward his brother came out who had the scarlet thread on his hand. And his name was called Zerah [Scarlet].

Some people only want a handout while others want a breakthrough.

For the next 21 days, we are going to believe God for breakthroughs in our lives, church, and community.

To do that, I am asking all of us to commit ourselves to extra times of seeking the Lord through prayer and fasting for the next 21 days.

At the end of the 21 days, we are going to come together for a Night of Worship on Sunday, September 12, 2021.

Fasting is the voluntary abstaining from food or activity to devote the time usually spent on those activities to draw closer to God through worship, prayer, and/or Bible study.

Ways to Fast

· Fast 1, 2, or 3 Meals a Day

· 21 Day Daniel Fast

· Liquid Only Fast

· Sunrise to Sunset Fast

· Fast your favorite drink, dessert, or media (TV, Movies, Social Media)

What Happens When We Fast

1. Fasting humbles the soul.

a. Psalm 35:13 But as for me, when they were sick, My clothing was sackcloth; I humbled myself with fasting; And my prayer would return to my own heart.

b. Psalm 69:10 When I wept and chastened my soul with fasting, That became my reproach.

2. Fasting weakens the flesh.

a. Psalm 109:24 My knees are weak through fasting, And my flesh is feeble from lack of fatness.

3. Fasting helps us discern God’s will.

a. Nehemiah 1:4 So it was, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned for many days; I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven.

4. Fasting secures favorin situations.

a. Esther 4:16 “Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!”

5. Fasting gives us power to break demonic strongholds.

a. Isaiah 58:6 “Is this not the fast that I have chosen: To loose the bonds of wickedness, To undo the heavy burdens, To let the oppressed go free, And that you break every yoke?

b. Matthew 17:21 However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”

6. Fasting prepares us for newseasons of life and ministry.

a. Acts 13:2 As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”

b. Acts 13:3 Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.

7. Fasting gives us a greater awarenessof God’s presence.

a. Psalm 63:1 O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You In a dry and thirsty land Where there is no water.

b. Psalm 63:5 My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness, And my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips.

Why We are Fasting

1. Spiritual awakening across Arizona and our nation.

2. God to move in every service at Foothills.

3. The COVID-19 Pandemic to end.

4. Growth in every ministry at Foothills.

5. People to connect in Small Groups.

6. Our schools, students, teachers, and administrators.

7. Crisis in the world (Haiti, Afghanistan).

Why are You Fasting?

Please complete the I’m Believing for a Breakthrough Card found in your bulletin [or with the link provided online]. If in-person, please drop that card off at the Welcome Center.