DESPERATE MEASURES
Genesis 25:21
Prayer is very powerful. When you pray, even things that seem impossible become possible. It doesn't matter what the facts are: God can change them, but it will take your praying about them.
Don't hold back; pray. Don't fear; pray. Don't wish or hope; pray. God will answer and it will be awesome!
1. TEARS
Isaiah 38:1-6
Hezekiah was in a very desperate situation. He had just received the worst news of his life. He did what desperate godly people do - he prayed and wept bitterly. What do you do when you are desperate:
-Do you get moody and sulky,
-Do you get angry with God and other people,
-Do you take short cuts, i.e. take control from God?
God heard Hezekiah's prayer and saw his tears and added 15 years to his life.
Q. What desperate issues are you facing? Has God heard your prayers about them? Has he seen tears yet? Tears of desperation move God's heart. They are powerful.
2. FASTING
2 Chronicles 20:1-3, 22-26
Jehoshaphat was faced with a vast army that he could not handle. He resolved to pray and proclaimed a fast for all of Judah. He admitted that the situation was beyond him.
Q. How often do you fast? Is it only when a fast is called for your Bible Talk? We need to grow to a level where we know when we need to fast on our own about issues in our lives.
Q. Leaders, how often do you encourage your group to fast?
Permanent character changes are possible when we fast.
Sin is overcome when we fast.
Relationships are restored and enhanced when we fast.
Fasting is a desperate measure. It is powerful. It moves the heart of God. Fasting forces you to depend on God. Go for it.