BFB-The Stretch Devotional & Guide 2026 - Flipbook - Page 7
REACH UP | REACH OUT | REACH IN | REACH FORWARD
THE STRETCH
SCHEDULE
ENTIRE FAST
Abstain from Non-essential Spending (No Shopping)
During the entire fast, participants are asked to refrain from all non-essential purchases.
This means avoiding luxury items, unnecessary shopping, and any discretionary spending.
Use this time to refocus on God and practice financial stewardship of your resources.
WEEK 1 - JAN 2-8, 2026
Abstain from All Social Media
During Week One, participants will step away from all social media platforms. This
includes scrolling, posting, and consuming content for entertainment. This week is about
detoxing from distraction and reclaiming time for prayer, Scripture, and reflection. Social
media often fills our minds with noise, comparison, and urgency.
Focus: Reach UP - Stretching Toward God 4 Before we can reach the world, we must reach
for God. This week invites us to quiet the noise and turn our attention upward. The stretch
begins vertically in prayer, purity, and priority.
WEEK 2 - JAN 9-15, 2026
Week 1 Restrictions + No Television, Movies, or Streaming
In Week Two, participants continue the social media fast and now remove television,
movies, and streaming platforms. This is a week to be intentional with family, neighbors,
and those God places in our path.
Focus: Reach OUT - Stretching Toward Others 4 Faith that reaches up must also reach
out. This week focuses on compassion, evangelism, and presence...seeing others the way
Christ sees them. God is stretching our hearts to love people beyond comfort and to
become living reflections of His kindness in the world.
WEEK 3 - JAN 16-22, 2026
Week 1–2 Restrictions + No Music, Podcasts, or Background Noise
This week deepens the fast by eliminating background noise 4 including music, podcasts,
and non-essential audio. (Worship music may be used intentionally during prayer or
devotion.) The goal is stillness.
Focus: Reach IN - Stretching Toward One Another 4 Healthy reach begins with a healthy
core. During this week, we look inward at the relationships that make up the body of
Christ. God is calling us to unity, forgiveness, discipleship, and genuine fellowship. This is
the week where we listen more than we speak, reflect more than react, and allow God to
examine our hearts and relationships.
WEEK 4 - JAN 23-31, 2026
Week 1–3 Restrictions + Silence, Reflection, and Spiritual Focus
The final week is the deepest stretch of the fast. Participants will continue all restrictions
from Weeks 133 and are encouraged to further reduce outside noise and distractions by
limiting phone use, text messaging, and conversations to only what is necessary for work,
family, or emergencies. We are creating room to hear God more clearly.
Focus: Reach FORWARD - Stretching Toward the Future 4 The final stretch calls us to look
ahead with faith and courage. This week is about vision, perseverance, and forward
movement; trusting that God is doing something new and making room for what He is about
to reveal.
Final Three Days (January 29–31)
For those who are physically able and medically cleared, the final three days may be
observed as a liquid-only fast (water, broths, smoothies, or juices). This portion of the fast is
optional and should be approached prayerfully and wisely.
