Day 32: Foundational Righteousness
Fasting is powerful. It quiets distractions, sharpens spiritual focus, and cultivates humility. But it’s important to remember this: fasting does not make us righteous. Only Christ can do that.
There’s a dangerous temptation to treat spiritual disciplines like spiritual currency—as if the more we pray, deny ourselves, or “do the right things,” the more God will approve of us. But this is just a religious version of self-righteousness. The foundation of our faith is not what we do for God, but what God has done for us through Jesus.
Righteousness is a gift, not a reward. You don’t earn it through fasting—you receive it through faith. That’s what makes the gospel so scandalous and so beautiful. You can’t climb your way to God. You can only bow.
Fasting doesn’t increase your righteousness—it increases your awareness of God’s righteousness. It reveals the cracks in your foundation so the Lord can remind you of the Cornerstone. It’s a time not to prove something to God, but to remember what He’s already proven to you: You are made righteous by the Blood of Christ.
So yes, fast. Seek. Surrender. But do it from a place of security, not striving. From belovedness, not burden. You already have God's favor—Jesus secured it.
Prayer
Jesus, I confess that sometimes I try to earn what You’ve already given. I lay down my self-righteousness, my performance, and my pride. Thank You that my standing with You is not based on how much I fast or how well I perform, but on Your mercy alone. As I fast, root me in the righteousness that comes from You. Let this season be a response to grace, not an attempt to earn it. Amen.
Join us for a 6-week online book study of Derek Prince’s “Shaping History Through Prayer and Fasting” starting July 8, 2025. We will meet each week on Zoom from 5:00-6:30pm CT. The online book study will conclude on August 12, 2025.
We want to hear your fasting testimony! Email info@triumphofhope.com to share your story.
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