SCRIPTURE - Romans 12:1-2
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
OBSERVATION
Offering sacrifices to God was a common ancient practice. People would offer portions of their produce, livestock, and earnings to worship Him. In this passage, Paul tells the Romans to offer themselves as a sacrifice to God out of gratitude for His mercy. Then he encourages that keeping their minds focused on honoring and following God's ways helps determine what God's will is for them.
APPLICATION
Determining "God's will" for our lives can be pretty overwhelming. At the end of the day, we can always be confident that the most important part of God's will for us is that we know Him, follow Him, and enjoy what life looks like when we honor His ways.
If God never told you anything other than "Follow me," you'd have everything you needed in life to follow God's will. That said, many people seek clearer, more detailed direction from God, especially when life's choices come with heavy implications. One amazing benefit of fasting is that it spiritually tunes our minds and hearts to better discern if God is speaking anything, especially directive, to us. As you fast, you’re offering yourself to God, as Paul said. You’re in the prime condition to hear his voice!
PRAYER
Do you have questions you're seeking answers, clarity, or direction to? Now is the time to ask them directly to God, trusting that if He has an answer for you, He will give it at the right time, and if He doesn't answer your question, you don't need the answer in order to honor Him through your situation.
"God, I will always want you more than the answers you give. But, if you have anything you want to speak to me today about my present dilemmas, questions, or decisions, I open up my heart and mind to hear from you what you'd have me do. Help me to hear you, trust you, and obey you today. In Jesus' name, amen."
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