Scripture to read and think about today: Isaiah 43:19

Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and streams in the desert. Isaiah 43:19

Last year, I clearly heard the Holy Spirit speak to me about what I was supposed to give up for fasting. It was something very important to me, and I didn’t want to let it go. I questioned, negotiated, and flat out argued with God about it. Finally, He said to me, “Hannah, if you want to experience breakthrough in your life, now is the time to give this up.” I wanted breakthrough (or at least I thought I did!), so I quit fighting with God and chose to obey.

I learned two important lessons through that time of prayer and fasting. First, God is faithful to His promises. If He whispers something to your heart, He will deliver on it.  But also, the outcome of those promises can look completely different than what you imagined. When I heard “breakthrough,” I pictured freedom, joy, fulfillment, etc. What actually followed was a year full of stretching—a season of all my fears and insecurities rising to the surface to be acknowledged and worked through. "Breakthrough” happened, but only by being tested and refined. It was certainly not what I thought I was asking for! I wouldn’t have asked for the struggle of this past year, but I’m so grateful He led me through it to where I am now.

As we come to the end of this season of prayer and fasting, I want to encourage you.  Maybe you came into this time with a specific need or area in your life where you wanted to see God move. I pray you’ve already seen Him at work, but if you haven’t, don’t be discouraged. God loves you, He hears your prayers, and He is working on your behalf. But He is the one doing the work according to His will. It often looks different than we expect or imagine, but His will is good, pleasing, and perfect (Romans 12:2).  Fasting is about surrendering our goals and desires and getting our hearts centered around what He is doing. And when that is our aim, He always shows up.

I pray you see much fruit from this time.