What happens when you stop depending on yourself and go all in with God?
In Part 3 of ALL IN, Pastor Robe Pierre teaches from Ezra 8:21–23, where Ezra refuses to move forward on the journey to Jerusalem without first seeking God through prayer and fasting. Ezra understood that what was ahead of him was too important to face without God.
Prayer is more than a spiritual routine. Prayer says, “God, I need You.” It brings us to the end of our own ability and teaches us to depend completely on God. There are decisions we cannot figure out, doors we cannot open, habits we cannot break, and burdens we were never meant to carry alone. Prayer is where ability ends and dependence begins.
But Ezra didn't only pray—he fasted.
Prayer says, “God, I need You.” Fasting says, “God, I want You.” Fasting teaches our appetites that they are allowed to speak, but they are not allowed to lead. When we fast, we intentionally deny one appetite to feed another and declare that God's presence matters more than our comfort, pleasure, routines, or personal satisfaction.
In this message, you'll discover:
• Why prayer is an admission of our dependence on God
• What it means for prayer to truly become our lifeline
• The difference between needing God and wanting God
• How fasting strengthens self-control and puts our appetites back in their proper place
• Why private dependence should match our public declaration
• How prayer and fasting deepen our connection with God
• What could be waiting on the other side of intentionally seeking God
Ezra and the people had a need. They prayed. They desired God. They fasted. And God answered.
What could be on the other side of a church spending 21 days saying:
“God, we need You, and God, we want You”?
Scripture References:
Ezra 8:21–23
John 15:5
Psalm 20:1–2
Matthew 4:4
Matthew 6:16–18
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