DAY 18 – Fasting & Prayer

22. January 2026

Devotion by Reverend Joseph Antwi

Theme: Stirring Up the Gifts of the Holy Spirit (Nations Empowered)

Key Scriptures: 2 Timothy 1:6 | 1 Corinthians 12:4–7 | Romans 11:29

DEVOTIONAL REFLECTION

God has deposited spiritual gifts, abilities, and divine assignments within every believer for the advancement of His Kingdom and the transformation of nations. No believer is empty, irrelevant, or forgotten. Each of us carries a measure of God’s grace designed to bless others, glorify Christ, and manifest God’s power in the earth.

📖 “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all.”

— 1 Corinthians 12:7 (NKJV)

This leads us to an important question: How do we identify these gifts, and where do we use them?

Scripture gives us powerful examples. Daniel and Joseph clearly understood the grace and gifting upon their lives, and they did not limit their gifts to religious spaces alone. They exercised them faithfully in their workplaces—and God elevated them to positions of great influence and authority.

📖 “Then this Daniel distinguished himself… because an excellent spirit was in him.”

— Daniel 6:3 (NKJV)

📖 “Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings.”

— Proverbs 22:29 (NKJV)

Their gifts made room for them.

📖 “A man’s gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men.”

— Proverbs 18:16 (NKJV)

This principle remains true today. Before stepping into a new role within my company, my former boss made a statement that deeply touched me. He said, “You are like a light that shines in the team. Without your positive energy, smile, and willingness, the team feels lifeless.”

That statement immediately reminded me of what King Nebuchadnezzar said about Daniel:

📖 “I know that the Spirit of the Holy God is in you.”

— Daniel 4:9 (NKJV)

Wherever we find ourselves—workplace, church, family, or community—our gifts must speak. The Holy Spirit within us is not silent. When stirred and stewarded well, the Spirit of God in us becomes evident to others.

However, gifts are not discovered or developed in isolation. God has designed the Church as a training ground. Through your pastor, presiding elder, and ministry leadership, gifts are identified, nurtured, sharpened, and released. The church is where calling is refined before it is manifested broadly.

Yet gifts do not function automatically. They must be stirred, activated, and stewarded. Apostle Paul did not tell Timothy to wait for the gift to work—he told him to fan it into flame.

📖 “Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.”

— 2 Timothy 1:6 (NKJV)

Many gifts lie dormant—not because God withdrew them, but because fear, comparison, complacency, or neglect has silenced them. Some believers shrink back due to intimidation or insecurity, while others bury their gifts through disobedience or lack of commitment.

📖 “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

— 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)

The gifts of God are irrevocable. God does not change His mind about what He has placed inside you—even when you doubt yourself.

📖 “For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.”

— Romans 11:29 (NKJV)

When the Church operates in the fullness of spiritual gifts—wisdom, faith, healing, prophecy, leadership, service, and discernment—nations are empowered. Darkness is confronted, communities are restored, and the Kingdom of God advances with authority.

Yet gifts require faithful stewardship.

📖 “Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things.”

— Matthew 25:21 (NKJV)

📖 “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.”

— Colossians 3:23 (NKJV)

A stirred Church is an empowered Church.

An empowered Church is God’s instrument for transforming nations.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Thanksgiving for Spiritual Gifts

Father, thank You for every spiritual gift and grace You have released into us for kingdom and national impact.

📖 (1 Corinthians 12:7)

2. Activation and Stirring of Gifts

Stir up every dormant gift, calling, and spiritual potential within us by the power of the Holy Spirit.

📖 (2 Timothy 1:6)

3. Freedom from Fear and Comparison

Deliver us from fear, insecurity, comparison, and complacency that hinder the expression of our gifts.

📖 (2 Timothy 1:7; Galatians 1:10)

4. Faithful Stewardship

Grant us discipline, humility, and faithfulness to steward our gifts for kingdom expansion and Your glory.

📖 (Matthew 25:21; Colossians 3:23)

PRAYER FOR THE NATIONAL PRAYER FESTIVAL (BASEL)

Lord, where Your Spirit is, let there be liberty. As we gather, lift up every gate and let the King of Glory come in. Empower Your Church, release spiritual gifts afresh, and let Basel and the nations experience Your transforming presence.

📖 (2 Corinthians 3:17; Psalm 24:7)

Share this with as many people as possible and see you at prayer lunch at 12:00

Don’t stop fasting and praying until you see that breakthrough

Shalom

Rev Joseph Antwi