Prayer and Fasting: For Nothing

Welcome Graham fam! We are so glad you could watch Sunday morning online with us. Prayer and Fasting – 6 – For Nothing As finish our series today, one of the greatest fears we have as people is to do something for nothing. There isn’t anything more frustrating than to spend a significant amount of time or energy on a task, or a project only to find out that everything you did was absolutely useless, and you had to start over or go a completely different route. As people when we think about Christianity, we kind of have that same fear if we are honest. I would be lying to you this morning if I didn’t confess that there are times that Satan whispers in my ear with questions of, what if you are doing all of this for nothing. From the simplest thing of putting your faith in Christ and trusting in him, to forsaking things of the world, to sacrificing many things that you could have or attain, and then when you look at it from a perspective of people who have devoted their entire lives to ministry. Their families, their careers, their homes, literally everything is affected by this choice to serve God with their entire life, and what if it is all for nothing. It is in those moments when Satan whispers that I just have to take a deep breath and remind myself, that I am happier than I was before I was saved. I am happier than I was when I was teaching in the school system. I can lay my head down at night and sleep without regret. I have no guilt. I have no shame. I have nothing in this life that weighs on me or that has overpowered me since I have put my faith in Christ, and I resolve myself to the logical conclusion that even if its all for nothing in the end. My life is better because of the choices I have made to follow Christ. So, the fear of doing something for nothing is there, it is real, and it flows into everything we do. Even fasting and praying. What if we are doing this all for nothing. And the truth is that you could fast and pray genuinely to the Lord and not get the outcome that you want for various reasons. We are going to talk about that this morning. Because your attitude in which you approach God can help eliminate the number of possibilities of doing it all for nothing. Your heart can increase your chances of success in your fasting and praying. So, let’s look at several examples and teachings on what to do and what not to do! Points: 1. It just may not be God’s will! – 2 Samuel 12:15-23 2. You could fast and pray for nothing! – Matthew 6:16-18 – Zechariah 7:4-6 3. Humbleness is the key! – Luke 18:9-14 Ending: Satan wants to put the doubt in your mind that you are wasting your time. Seeking the Lord is never a waste of time! You may not get what you want, but God has the ability to give you something better. You will only waste your time if your attitude is prideful, and you plead to the Lord based off of what you deserve. Plead to God’s mercy! Plead his will, his kingdom, his glory. Acknowledge your sin, your unworthiness, and your need for God. Don’t do this for show! Do this for God and God alone. If we are obedient to his word and his teachings, we can’t go wrong! If you would like to watch our past services, you can do so here: https://www.gcwesleyan.org/teaching/ Like and subscribe to our new YouTube channel, Graham Chapel Youth! We are producing some funny videos as well as live streaming our Wednesday night youth group: https://is.gd/grahamyouth. If you would like to give to Graham Chapel, you can do so here: https://www.gcwesleyan.org/give/ Graham Chapel Wesleyan Church is in Mayo, SC which is near Cowpens and Chesnee in Spartanburg County, South Carolina. We are affiliated with the Wesleyan denomination and have a diverse congregation. We would love to have you join us on Sunday mornings in person, or on Wednesdays with our youth! Visit our website to learn more.