I Am Because You Are September 3, 2025 Devotional

LUKE 4:1-2 | ¹Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, ² where for forty days he was tested by the devil. He ate nothing at all     during those days, and when they were over he was famished.

JOHN 4:31-34 | ³¹ Meanwhile the disciples were urging him, “Rabbi, eat something.” ³² But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you do not know about.” ³³ So the disciples said to one another, “Surely no one has brought him something to eat?” ³⁴ Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to complete his work.

Fasting is a form of physical discipline, practiced by Jesus and many Christians. It reminds us of our frailty and dependence, heightens our gratitude for the food that sustains us, and enables us to       restrain our sometimes unbridled desire for pleasure.
Fasting is also a way of making room for a period of intense spiritual focus. It creates a space for exclusive focus on prayer, meditation, and listening to God.

Jesus began His public ministry after a very long wait, at 30 years of age. He first spent nearly six weeks in prayer and preparation, sorting through the temptations surrounding His call to be Messiah. He foreswore bread in order to become the Bread of Life.

Are you making room for spiritual growth, encounter, and preparation?

Gracious God,

With You there is wisdom and assurance, acceptance, and security. Help me make space to meet You and to be fed.

Amen.