Our church seems to be going thru a bit of a “slump”. Words that have been used are “spiritually flat” or “disengaged”. We’ve also been seeming to “get by” without a large focus. Not that we necessarily need a focus on anything other than the Gospel, but, that’s all for another post. The 2 “big ones” (numbers) are down. Attendance and financial giving. Not by a lot mind you. But, there’s enough of something going on that the leadership is taking note. So, we decided to take some time to specifically fast and pray about the spiritual vitality of our church. Simple enough.
I’m not necessarily one to automatically start blaming Spiritual warfare on everything that comes my way. We live in a fallen world and stuff happens. Remember, I’m a fatalist by nature (ok, make that Adaptable!). However, when one tends to have a “bad day” on the day specifically reserved to fast and pray for spiritual renewal at the church… Is it “just” because of lack of food? Yes, hunger tends to make me a bit cranky. Yet, I see something bigger going on.
I decided to use one of my lunch breaks to return some stuff to a friend. 40 minutes of driving and I like to pray while driving. So, all’s good! Right? God specifically speaks to me, “focus now, we have some things to discuss”. And what do I do? Focus on the stupid gear I am returning. So I fail to use my time with Him wisely. Which puts me in self-deprication mode, which, itself is another Spiritual battle.
It’s in those “can’t win” situations where Satan wants me to live. And it’s hard to fight against that when seemingly whatever you do, there’s a downside.
So what to make of a “Spiritually flat“ congregation whose leaders are undergoing Spiritual battles?
I think something is actually happening! I think the battles are making us stronger, though we don’t see that growth right now. We’re growing as individuals and are being led to grow as a body. A small body of believers that meet at a specific building and as the larger body of believers in general.
Call me a suicidal optimist. The battle has already been won.
I think you have mis-titled your post. Almost every time I have fasted for a spiritual purpose (which is not all that often but enough to comment) there have been all kinds of things that present themselves in opposition from bad weather to relationships gone sideways to distraction. Additionally, going without food makes us more aware of our surroundings, therefore, stuff that doesn’t usually bother us, can.
Your post title is “can’t win”. I think that a church that has leaders that fast and pray when they sense a spiritual flatness is blessed. I think that opposition WILL occur when leaders fast and pray on behalf of their church. I think that there is a battle and you are in it.
be strong and courageous…