Surviving the Waiting Season: Fasting & Preparation

Scripture: Mark 9:29, Job 2:10, Ephesians 5:15-16, Jeremiah 29:11 Topic: Fasting, Spiritual Waiting, Preparation, and Trust

I. Announcements & Opening

Missions & Outreach: Opportunities to serve in missions are available (see the slip on the rail). Please continue to utilize the "Homeless Bags" to bless those in need during the cold weather.
Weekly Events:
- Sunday School at 9:30 AM.
- Wednesday Night Bible Study in Acts with Jason Fletcher (6:30 PM).
- Choir Practice: Sundays at 4:00 PM.
Upcoming Events:
- Movie Night: Friday, Jan 23rd at 5:00 PM featuring Snow Dogs. Spaghetti provided; bring sides/desserts.
- Concerts: The Kingsmen at Sunrise Baptist (Jan 24th) and The Lesters at Glendale Baptist (Jan 31st).

II. Introduction: A Journey of Separation

The Speaker: Pastor Troy introduced his daughter, Ava Ingersoll, to share her testimony and what God has been teaching her through her travels.
The Backstory: Ava shared her experience growing up in the church but drifting toward worldly distractions ("worldly enablers") during her university years.
The Separation: God systematically removed her from those environments to create space for Him.
- England: A trial period of separation.
- New Zealand: A time of deep renewal where God began working on her heart.
- Australia (Freshwater Church): Finding true Christian community and spiritual recharging.

III. The Power of Fasting (Mark 9:29)

The Disciples' Failure: Ava used the analogy of a baseball team to describe the disciples trying to cast out a powerful demon. "Big hitter" Peter, John, and Paul all struck out—they had the authority, but they couldn't do it.
The Missing Ingredient: Jesus steps in and heals the boy immediately. When asked why the disciples failed, Jesus (in the NKJV) replies, "This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting."
Spiritual Authority: Fasting isn't just dieting. When we deny our flesh (which is of the world) to pursue God, He grants a level of authority that requires that specific act of obedience.
- Key Takeaway: Don't fast for weight loss; fast for surrender.

IV. The Silent Teacher: Understanding Waiting Seasons

The Analogy: Why is God silent during trials? Ava compared God to a teacher during an exam. A teacher is always silent during the test—not because they are absent, but because they are evaluating if the student is ready for the next level.
Ava’s Experience: Moving to the city (Melbourne) felt like a promised land, but the "reception got static." She went from dream jobs to delivering coffee cards and living paycheck to paycheck. This was her test.

V. The Example of Job (Job 2:10)

The Trial: Job lost his wealth, his children, and his health. He was in such pain he couldn't speak for seven days.
The Wife’s Response: She urged him to "Curse God and die" to end the pain.
The Faithful Response: Job replied, "Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?"
The Lesson: God needs to see where you stand before He elevates you. If He can't trust you with $10, He won't trust you with $100. If you can't control your anger when stakes are low, you won't control it when they are high.

VI. Preparation: Building the Ark

Procrastination vs. Humility: Ava argued that procrastination is the absence of humility—it assumes you are owed another day.
Noah’s Example: Noah built the ark before the rain. He prepared during the waiting season.
Ephesians 5:15-16: "Making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." The days are "evil" (tricky) because they fool us into thinking we have more time than we do.
Call to Action: If God has given you a promise that hasn't come to pass yet, are you preparing for it?

VII. Conclusion

Unstoppable Will: Referenced Acts 5 (Gamaliel), reminding us that if a work is of God, no human force can stop it.
God’s Plan: Jeremiah 29:11—God's plans are to prosper, not to harm.
Song of Surrender: Ava concluded by singing Oceans (Where Feet May Fail), symbolizing stepping out into the great unknown with trust in Jesus.