BATTLE READY - Building Spiritual Resilience

BUILDING SPIRITUAL RESILIENCE
Sunday, February 16th Sermon Recap

Throughout this month, we have explored the power of prayer and its vital role in our spiritual battles. We’ve learned that prayer isn’t just part of the fight—it is the battlefield itself. But as we continue to equip ourselves for spiritual warfare, we must recognize two additional disciplines that build resilience in our faith: fasting and confession. These practices, often overlooked, help us draw closer to God, discipline our flesh, and fortify our spiritual walk.
Fasting teaches us self-control, dependence on God, and spiritual focus. Confession, both to God and others, allows us to experience true freedom from the burdens of sin and shame. Together, these disciplines help us build strength and endurance in our faith. Let’s take a deeper look at why fasting and confession matter and how we can begin practicing them in our daily lives.

Fasting is a biblical practice that involves intentionally abstaining from food for a period of time while seeking a deeper connection with God. From Moses to Jesus, fasting has been an essential practice for God’s people. However, modern Christianity has largely set it aside, and in doing so, we may be missing out on a powerful means of spiritual growth.
Fasting serves several purposes:

• Subduing the flesh and drawing near to God – When we fast, we deny our physical desires to focus on the spiritual.
• Deepening worship and devotion – Fasting expresses our dedication to God and our hunger for His presence.
• Seeking God’s guidance and empowerment – Many biblical figures fasted when seeking wisdom, deliverance, or preparation for ministry.
• Gaining strength in spiritual battles – Jesus fasted before facing Satan’s temptations, setting an example for us to follow.

Fasting is not a means of earning favor with God but rather an intentional practice to strengthen our faith. It teaches us discipline, aligns our hearts with God’s will, and enhances our prayer life.

While fasting helps us discipline our physical and spiritual selves, confession releases us from the weight of sin and guilt. We often think of confession only in the context of salvation, but the Bible encourages believers to confess regularly.
Confession has a dual nature:

• Confession to God – 1 John 1:9 reminds us, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” When we bring our sins into the light, God forgives and restores us.
• Confession to Others – James 5:16 instructs us, “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.” Sharing our burdens with trusted believers fosters healing and accountability.

Unconfessed sin can weigh us down, create distance between us and God, and keep us in cycles of shame. But when we bring our struggles into the light, sin loses its grip on us, and we experience true freedom in Christ.

Interestingly, both fasting and confession not only benefit our spiritual lives but also have positive effects on our physical and emotional health. Research shows that fasting can increase mental clarity, improve self-discipline, and reduce inflammation. Similarly, confession has been linked to lower stress, reduced feelings of shame, and increased emotional resilience.
These findings reinforce what God has designed all along—spiritual disciplines are not just good for our souls; they are good for our whole being.

If fasting and confession are missing from your walk with God, consider taking steps today to incorporate them. Start small, be intentional, and trust that God will honor your efforts. These practices will not only strengthen your faith but will also equip you for the spiritual battles ahead.
Let’s take a moment to reflect: How is God calling you to respond? Is there a step of faith He is asking you to take in fasting or confession? Let’s commit to building resilience in our faith, becoming battle-ready for whatever lies ahead.