Embracing Victory Amidst the Struggle

Today is the eighth day of our church’s 21-day Daniel Fast. As always, we are excited and expectant, trusting that God will move powerfully in and through us by the end of this sacred time. Together, we have prayed and asked the Lord to change us, use us, and strengthen us for the year ahead. For over 20 years, this fast has been a spiritual cornerstone for our church, shaping and preparing us. Yet, as with any significant step of faith, it hasn’t come without its battles. Today, let’s reflect on the enemy’s schemes to derail our efforts and the unshakable victory we have in Christ.

Ready to Commit

As the previous year ended, we made a heartfelt commitment to seek God wholeheartedly in the new year through this 21-day fast. With clear goals for what we wanted God to do in us, we stepped into this season with preparation and intentionality. For some, this meant fasting entirely from food for three days. We learned through experience that true commitment requires thoughtful preparation—not indulging beforehand but aligning our hearts and minds with the journey ahead.

Fasting is a deeply personal act of surrender, and what God calls each of us to give up may differ. This makes our commitment unique and meaningful. Stepping out of our comfort zones and leaving behind what God asks us to surrender paves the way for transformation. True change demands sacrifice and intentionality, and through this, we prepare to experience God’s work in new ways.

The Struggle Is Real

After the first three days of fasting, something incredible began to happen. We started hearing God’s voice more clearly, and testimonies of answered prayers began pouring in. Faith was renewed, excitement spread, and even those who hadn’t initially joined the fast felt compelled to participate.

However, as we delved deeper into prayer, fasting, and the Word of God, the enemy intensified his attacks. We shifted from the bottom of Satan’s hit list to the top. Why? Because fasting confronts the flesh and draws us closer to God. As we die to ourselves, the enemy takes notice, amplifying doubt and opposition. The battle feels fierce, and his goal becomes clear: to convince us that our efforts are in vain. But this is where our faith must stand firm. The struggle, though real and intense, is not the end of the story.

Victory in Christ

Here’s the good news, friends: the enemy’s plans will never prevail against God. Isaiah 59:19c promises, “When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him.” No matter how overwhelming the opposition feels, God raises a battle-standard that stops the enemy in his tracks. Satan’s schemes may seem unstoppable, but they pale in comparison to the power of our God.

As Romans 8:37 reminds us, we are more than conquerors through Christ who loves us. God’s victory is assured. He does not need us to win the battle, yet He graciously invites us to participate. What a privilege to stand on the side of the victorious King and see His mighty hand at work!

As we continue this Daniel fast, let us remember that the challenges we face are not a sign of defeat but of spiritual progress. The enemy fights hardest when we are on the verge of breakthrough. So, when the flood of opposition rises, hold fast to God’s promises. He will lift up His standard and bring the enemy’s plans to nothing.

Be encouraged: the battle belongs to the Lord, and victory is already won. Let us walk boldly, pressing deeper into prayer, fasting, and the Word, knowing that God is working in ways we cannot yet see. At the end of this fast, we will emerge strengthened, transformed, and ready for all that God has prepared for us in the year ahead. The struggle is real, but so is our victory in Christ. Stand firm, church, for the Lord is with us, and His triumph is unstoppable.