Sermon: July, Month of Quick Get Up—Put On Your Clothes and Sandals: Fasting and Prayer First.
July 23, 2025
Introduction
July stands as a midyear checkpoint—a chance to reflect, reset, and prepare to step into the second half of 2025 with renewed purpose. God specializes in sudden deliverance and unexpected turnarounds. As found in 2 Chronicles 20, when Jehoshaphat faced insurmountable odds, his first response was not panic but fasting and prayer. In Acts 12:7-8, Peter is miraculously awakened, commanded to get up quickly, and told to put on his clothes and sandals, marking his moment of divine intervention.
2 Chronicles 20:3-4: “Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the LORD, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. The people of Judah came together to seek help from the LORD; indeed, they came from every town in Judah to seek Him.”
Acts 12:7-8: “Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. ‘Quick, get up!’ he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists. Then the angel said to him, ‘Put on your clothes and sandals.’ And Peter did so.”
This month, God is calling us to arise quickly from spiritual stagnation, clothe ourselves with renewed faith, and follow His instructions—beginning with fasting and prayer.
Subtopic 1: Fasting and Prayer—The Foundation of Spiritual Breakthrough.
The story of Jehoshaphat reveals the transformative power of fasting and prayer. In times of threat, instead of relying on his own strength or strategies, Jehoshaphat turned to God, gathering the entire nation in unified fasting. This intentional act of humility opened the door for divine guidance and intervention.
When we face overwhelming situations—be they personal struggles, health crises, or uncertain futures—our first response as believers should be to seek God’s face through fasting and prayer. Fasting brings spiritual clarity and helps shift our dependence from ourselves to God, realigning our hearts to hear His direction.
2 Chronicles 20:12: “Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”
Let July be a month where we prioritize seeking God, acknowledging our limitations, and inviting His power to move in our circumstances. As we fast and pray, we make room for God to act mightily.
Subtopic 2: Quick Get Up—Responding Promptly to God’s Call
Peter’s deliverance from prison is a testimony to God’s sudden intervention when His people pray. Peter was bound in chains, deep in sleep between two guards, seemingly hopeless. Yet, at the appointed moment, an angel appeared, a light shone, and he was told, “Quick, get up!” This command required immediate obedience.
Acts 12:7: “Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. ‘Quick, get up!’ he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists.”
When God moves, He often requires us to act with urgency—not hesitating but rising and moving at His word. Sometimes, our spiritual breakthroughs are delayed, not because God hasn’t acted, but because we hesitate to obey.
God is saying to us this July: “Don’t linger in disappointment or fear. Rise quickly!” Whether it’s a step of faith, forgiveness, or service—our spiritual clothing begins with prompt, faith-filled action.
Subtopic 3: Put On Your Clothes and Sandals—Preparedness for Divine Assignment.
After commanding Peter to get up, the angel’s next words were clear: “Put on your clothes and sandals.” This act signified readiness for movement and new mission. Clothes and sandals in Scripture often symbolize preparedness, dignity, and protection as we step into God’s purpose.
Acts 12:8: “Then the angel said to him, ‘Put on your clothes and sandals.’ And Peter did so.”
For us, this means putting off former ways—discouragement, spiritual lethargy, or habitual sin—and clothing ourselves with the armor of God, righteousness, and readiness (Ephesians 6:13-15). God is ready to lead us out of limitations, but we must be dressed for the journey He has prepared.
Let this month be about spiritual preparedness. Are you dressed in faith, hope, and love? Are you ready to step where God leads? The discipline of fasting and prayer clothes us with the strength, wisdom, and humility needed for each new assignment.
Subtopic 4: This Week’s Reflection—What Chains Need to Fall Off?
As you meditate this week, ask yourself: What are the chains holding you back? For Peter, chains represented captivity, limitation, and hopelessness. For us, these chains could be fear, doubt, anger, unforgiveness, or spiritual complacency.
Consider how fasting and prayer invite God’s intervention, allowing the Holy Spirit to break every chain. Reflect on areas in your life where you may be asleep or resigned, and listen for the divine wake-up call: “Quick, get up!” God wants to lead you into freedom, but it will require your response—your willingness to “put on your clothes and sandals” and be ready for where He wants to take you next.
2 Corinthians 3:17: “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”
Let the Spirit guide your self-examination this week. Invite Him to reveal hidden chains, and commit to take the necessary practical steps—through fasting, prayer, and obedience—to move forward into liberty and newness.
Self Examination:
Ask yourself honestly: Am I responding quickly when God calls, or am I hesitating? Have I clothed myself spiritually for the journey ahead, or am I still wearing the garments of past wounds or failures? As you fast and pray, present your true condition to God. Confess anything that may be holding you captive—habits, thoughts, relationships. Declare your willingness to obey quickly and dress yourself with God’s promises. Trust that, as with Peter, God is able to break every chain and lead you into a renewed, purposeful walk.
Conclusion:
July is not a month for spiritual slumber, but for sudden awakenings and obedient movement. As we learned from Jehoshaphat, fasting and prayer stir the heart of God to move on our behalf, regardless of how impossible our circumstances may look. Like Peter, sometimes deliverance comes quietly in the night and calls for urgent response—it requires us to get up, put on our spiritual clothes and sandals, and walk out of what held us captive.
Let this season be marked by readiness and expectation. God is passing by; don’t sleep through His visitation. Put on the garments of praise, faith, and righteousness. Fast and pray, not as a ritual, but with clear purpose—believing that chains will break, obedience will open doors, and spiritual assignments will be fulfilled by those who are clothed and ready.
Declare over yourself and this church: “This July, I will get up quickly. I will wear my spiritual clothes and sandals. I will fast and pray first, and I am ready for God’s next move.”
Prayer: Father God,
Thank You for calling us to rise up quickly and trust You in all things. Today, we surrender every fear, disappointment, and limitation at Your feet. As Jehoshaphat did, we seek You first in fasting and prayer, knowing that You hear and answer. Lord, awaken every sleeping area in our lives—shine Your light in our circumstances, and break every chain that keeps us bound. Clothe us with faith, hope, and readiness for the assignments You have prepared. When You speak, let us move without hesitation, filled with courage and joy. Guide our steps, protect our journey, and let Your will be done in our lives this month. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
God bless you abundantly.