One Desire Fast is HMCC’s annual fast so we can start off the year hearing from God, both individually and as a church. This year’s theme is Simple Pursuit.
John 10:27 ESV “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”
Imagine being in the streets of Hong Kong, where the bright neon lights and bustling crowds overwhelm our senses. In this city moving at such a fast pace, it’s easy to feel lost and disoriented. Life can be draining, filled with endless to-do lists and a sense of aimlessness. Amidst the towering skyscrapers and busy markets, we long for that familiar voice that knows us by name, reassuring us that everything will be alright. We long for someone that can give us guidance, much like a shepherd leading their sheep.
Just as sheep often wander off, distracted by their surroundings and unaware that they’ve strayed from their flock, we too can lose our way amid life’s chaos. In moments of distraction and uncertainty, we long for direction and reassurance. Jesus is not only our savior and friend, He explicitly identifies Himself as our Good Shepherd in John 10, ready to lead us through the noise and confusion of life and to ensure we never truly wander alone. It is a natural human instinct for us to desire familiarity and guidance. However, it is only when we deepen our understanding of our Good Shepherd and establish a strong foundation in Him that we become more capable of discerning His voice.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the competing voices around you or in your mind while you pray? How can you better tune in to Jesus’ voice, not only regarding your immediate situation but also in His greater calling for your life? During this fast, it’s important to maintain an open heart and mind to what God wants to reveal to us. It is easy to make the fast about our own lives and choices, especially when we live in a fast-paced city like Hong Kong, where people tend to strive for themselves. But let’s keep our hearts open to whatever He is speaking to us.
Jesus Himself is a good shepherd who was moved with compassion for people who are harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd (Matthew 9). How can we be moved by the spiritual needs around us and to live for His Kingdom? This could be as simple as reaching out to another LIFE Group member who could be struggling in their fast, reaching out to a specific people group, addressing needs in the city, or investing in your campus or workplace. Let’s continue to pray and seek Jesus’ guidance. As we focus on pursuing Him, He will give us clarity and direction as our good Shepherd.
Reflection and Application
- What are the competing voices around you or in your mind that hinder you from attuning to Jesus’ voice? What practices can you adopt to ensure that you are open to His guidance and direction?
- Think of a people group or a need in this city that you feel a burden for. In what ways can you deepen your understanding of their spiritual needs and what specific actions can you take to offer support and guidance to them?
Prayer Requests – CityU
- For God to bring more Pre-Christians to our context – we want to see evangelism lived out in our community.
- A deep & transformative experience of the Gospel within the students – For the CityU students to have their lives flipped upside down by Jesus!
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