What if fasting is about more than just skipping a meal? In this message, Pastor Abbie Sawczak walks us through Matthew 4 one more time as New Culture Church prepares to enter the season of Lent together. She unpacks how fasting amplifies our prayers, grows our compassion, and forms us into people who can stand in the gap for others. Drawing from the courage of Esther, the faith of leaders throughout Black history, and the example of Jesus himself in the wilderness, Abbie invites us to see fasting not as a religious obligation but as a prophetic act of trust, surrender, and love. Whether this is your first fast or your fiftieth, this message will challenge you to show up, practice, and let God do the perfecting.

Bible Verse References

• Matthew 4:1-11 (primary text, Jesus tempted in the wilderness)
• Matthew 7:24 (referenced, be doers of the word)
• Isaiah 58 (the fast God has chosen)
• Esther 4:15-16 (Esther calls the people to fast)
• Daniel 10 (21-day fast for revelation and strength)
• Ezra 8 (fasting for protection)
• Nehemiah 1 (fasting in grief and intercession)
• Acts 13 (worshiping and fasting, the Lord speaks)
• Matthew 4:19 (follow me, fishers of men)
• Matthew 28:19-20 (referenced, Great Commission)