Fasting... is one of the most effective ways to draw nearer to God.
DAY 2 | EMPOWERED TO ABIDE
Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.
John 15:4 NKJV
Devotional: The beginning of wisdom flows from a reverential fear of God - recognizing His holiness and our complete dependence on His presence for every breath. This posture of humility is the essence of abiding in Him, the true giver of life. God deeply desires that we dwell continually in His presence. To teach us how, He gave us Jesus - our perfect example of abiding. Jesus lived fully dependent on the Father, continually immersed in His presence, walking in constant communion, and perfectly intertwined with His will. Abiding often requires death - not physical death, but death to self. We must die to our flesh, our sinful nature, and our independence - laying aside anything contrary to God’s Word. The world views death as an ending, but in God’s kingdom, it is the gateway to life. In surrender, we are grafted into the very heart of the Father.
Jesus reminds us that just as a branch cannot survive or bear fruit apart from the vine, we cannot fulfill our God-given purpose without abiding in Him - His presence, His Word, and His love. Abiding is not a passive state; it is a daily, intentional choice to stay connected to the Source. When we abide, His Spirit empowers us to bear fruit we could never produce on our own - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These are not works of striving, but fruits of intimacy.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, teach me to abide in You - so deeply immersed in Your presence that nothing else becomes my source. You are my life and power. Keep me from rushing ahead or relying on my own strength. Remind me that apart from You, I can do nothing, but with You, all things are possible. Empower me to remain steadfastly connected so my life reflects Your love and bear lasting fruit. Help me to draw near daily through prayer, Your Word, listening to Your voice, and walking in obedience. May I understand that abiding is an active choice - rooting myself inYou through surrender. In the quiet place, let Your strength become my strength, Your wisdom my wisdom, and Your peace my peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
DAY 1 | EMPOWERED TO REST
“There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from His. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest…” Hebrews 4:9–11 (NIV)
Devotional: Rest is one of God’s most powerful gifts, yet it is often the one we resist the most. Hebrews 4 reminds us that there is a Sabbath-rest reserved for us - an invitation to step out of striving and into the finished work of Christ. This rest is not inactivity; it is intentional surrender. It is the posture of a heart that trusts God’s timing, God’s pace, and God’s ability to do what we cannot. In a world that glorifies busyness, God calls us into stillness. He doesn’t ask us to outrun our limitations; He invites us to rely on His strength. Rest teaches us to release control, to stop forcing outcomes, and to believe that God is working even when we are not. When we choose rest, we declare that our hope is not in our own effort but in His faithfulness. Jesus invites us to walk in the unforced rhythms of grace - a pace that is steady, holy, and anchored in His presence. Rest clears the noise so we can hear His voice. It shifts our focus from what we fear to the One who holds every moment in His hands. In rest, we regain clarity, courage, and confidence because we remember that we are not alone - God goes before us, walks with us, and strengthens us. Rest is not weakness; it is worship. It is a declaration that God is enough, His grace is sufficient, and His promises are secure. To be empowered to rest is to trust that the God who created the Sabbath also created us - and He knows exactly what we need to flourish.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of rest. Teach my heart to slow down, surrender, and trust Your timing. Help me release striving and step into the peace You have prepared for me. Lead me in the unforced rhythms of Your grace. Strengthen me to rest in Your presence, believe Your promises, and follow Your pace. May Your peace settle over my mind and Your rest anchor my soul. In Jesus’ name, Amen.