Where do we turn when we receive a diagnosis or are walking alongside a family member facing illness? Is our first reaction to find solutions in our strength, or do we turn to the Healer?

In the midst of challenging situations in our lives, we can have resurrection-faith and declare resurrection power. We are going to face trials on earth. The good news? Jesus is the Resurrected King.

When we receive divine direction from God, it takes faith to move forward. Sometimes, having the faith to stay on course isn't always easy. We can sometimes feel silly walking in our spiritual purpose. But faith is the willingness to look ridiculous. It's taking steps to unlearn our fears until the fear of God is the only thing left.

We need Jesus every day. He is our source of life. When we walk with Jesus, He never disappoints us. He is our bread when we’re hungry.

In the Old Testament, bread was the main source of daily nourishment and food. The Israelites lived off manna, heavenly bread, for forty years in the wilderness. In the New Testament, Jesus reiterates the importance of building our lives on Him, the true bread of life.

Throughout God’s word, we see that God values relationships. A close relationship with God is the foundation for us to experience God’s blessing, peace, provision, gifts, and direction. However, a relationship with God is much more than meeting our needs and fulfilling our desires. He is the only one who can make us feel known and loved. But often, we try to meet our needs in other ways.

Often we will find our lives heading in one direction. Then, after an encounter with God, we turn and head in a completely different direction. In the Bible, the temple of God was strategically designed so that you could not leave God’s presence the same way you came in. As we continually seek God’s presence, we will be transformed little by little.

When we experience a new pace that leads us to a new place, God gives us a new perspective. Fasting changes our routine and destination, which means we’ll start seeing things from a different point of view. However, the new lens we’re looking through should be God-given.

When we slow down, we are often able to see new things. Our pace affects our vision of a place. For example, we notice different details when we’re walking on a beach than when we’re flying over one in an airplane. On the ground, we are able to see kids searching for seashells, people playing volleyball, and waves crashing onto the shore. Hardly any of this is visible from the sky.

Fasting creates a change of pace in times when our life is on autopilot. Daniel used fasting times to interrupt life's normalcy and intentionally turn his face toward God. Instead of hurrying from meal to meal, Daniel seized the time to commune with God. Communing with God means giving God our full attention. Praying, fasting, and reading scripture are ways to give God our attention.

During Jesus’ ministry, he taught His disciples key principles about God’s kingdom. In Matthew 6, Jesus gives us direction on how to live as victorious children of God and experience the spiritual purpose He has for each of us. He said, “when you give…” “when you pray…” and “when you fast.” Throughout the chapter, Jesus made it clear that fasting was just as important as giving and praying. But how many of us fast on a regular basis?