Purple Crayons, Arks, and Drawing Your Dream
Doug Witherup
Purple Crayons, Arks, and Drawing Your Dream
Elevate: Increasing Your Faith Capacity
Hebrews 11:7
For the past few weeks, our church family has been walking through
21 Days of Prayer, guided by a simple but profound question:
How does faith actually grow?
Scripture gives us a surprising answer. Faith doesn’t just believe—it builds.
“Now faith is the manifestation of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1)
Faith isn’t a reaction to what already exists.
Faith is the courage to create what doesn’t.
Faith Walks Before It Sees
Paul echoes Hebrews when he writes:
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7)
Most of us reverse that order.
Show me first, then I’ll walk.
But biblical faith walks first—and sight follows.
Which brings us to a children’s book that quietly teaches one of the greatest lessons on faith ever written.
Harold and the Purple Crayon
In Harold and the Purple Crayon, a young boy steps into the night with nothing but a purple crayon. As Harold walks, he draws the moon, a path, a picnic lunch of pies, even a way home. He doesn’t wait for reality to appear—he creates it.
Here’s the hidden genius of the story:
Harold doesn’t respond to the world. He draws it.
And that’s what faith does.
Faith doesn’t wait for a path—it draws one.
Purple Crayons and Arks
Hebrews 11 quickly moves us from children’s stories to ancient history:
“It was by faith that Noah built a large boat… God warned him about things that had never happened before.” (Hebrews 11:7)
Pause and imagine that moment.
No rain.
No floods.
No boats.
Yet Noah built an ark anyway.
How do you build something no one has ever seen?
The same way Harold draws a moon in the dark.
The same way faith always works.
You see it before you see it.
Building for a World That Doesn’t Exist Yet
At the turn of the 20th century, the world revolved around horses. Cities were designed for stables, not garages. Roads were built for hooves, not engines.
Most people wanted improvement:
- Faster horses
- Stronger wagons
- Better harnesses
But Henry Ford was thinking in terms of transformation.
He famously observed:
“If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said a faster horse.”
Ford wasn’t responding to what people saw.
He was building for what he believed.
No infrastructure.
No gas stations.
No traffic laws.
No public confidence.
And yet—he built anyway.
Faith doesn’t wait for demand.
Faith prepares for destiny.
The Secret of the Purple Crayon
At the heart of faith are three movements:
1. Dream
What is your God-sized dream?
We often say, “I’ll believe it when I see it,” as an excuse for doubt. But faith flips the script:
“I’ll see it because I believe it.”
If we want heaven’s reality on earth, we have to hear from heaven first.
Sometimes the greatest limitation isn’t fear—it’s permission.
Permission to think bigger than your job description.
Permission to dream beyond your assigned lane.
You have permission to dream.
2. Design
Dreams don’t float—they’re framed.
Noah didn’t just receive a word.
He received
dimensions.
God connects dots across disciplines:
- Theology and psychology
- Health and science
- Art, business, technology, and Scripture
Break out of siloed thinking. Expand your reading. Expand your relationships. Expand your imagination.
You’re often one connection away from the next step in your calling.
3. Deliver
Dreams that stay in notebooks never save anyone from the flood.
As Steve Jobs once said:
“Real artists ship.”
When the rain came, Noah didn’t just have a prophetic word—
he had a finished ark.
Be grateful for fresh revelation—but don’t get addicted to the next word while neglecting obedience to the last one.
Discipline Makes Faith Durable
Faith isn’t sustained by inspiration alone.
It’s sustained by rhythm.
Few embody this better than Twyla Tharp, one of the most influential choreographers of the last century. In The Creative Habit, she writes:
“The routine is as much a part of the creative process as the lightning bolt of inspiration—maybe more.”
Faith thrives on:
- Structure
- Systems
- Schedule
Prayer time.
Work habits.
Physical discipline.
Spiritual consistency.
Discipline turns vision into legacy.
Draw Something That Doesn’t Exist Yet
In the early 1950s, Walt Disney had a radical idea—not a carnival, not an amusement park, but an immersive story-world for families.
The problem?
No one had ever built anything like it.
So Walt turned to artist Herb Ryman and said, in essence:
“Draw what only exists in my mind.”
For an entire weekend, vision became visible.
Those drawings unlocked funding, land, and construction.
Years later, when Walt had already passed and the park finally opened, someone said, “It’s a shame Walt didn’t live to see this.”
His brother Roy replied:
“He did see it. That’s why it’s here.”
Your Action Step
Take out a piece of paper.
Pick up a pen—or a purple crayon.
Draw something.
Not because it’s perfect.
Not because it’s finished.
But because faith always starts by making the unseen visible.
Purple crayons build arks.
Arks shape futures.
And faith still draws worlds into existence.
What will you draw next?
For the first time in a long while, I didn’t watch much of the game. I wasn’t particularly interested in either team, and the game played out pretty much as I expected—kind of blah. That’s not to take anything away from Seattle. Their defense was smothering, and Sam Darnold deserves real credit. But it was the halftime show that truly grieved my spirit. No, not Bad Bunny. I didn’t watch that one. I had already decided it would promote values and ideologies I don’t believe in or agree with. Instead, I was genuinely excited to click over to YouTube and watch the alternative halftime stream from TP USA. Rewind for a moment to Charlie Kirk’s funeral. I watched nearly all four hours of it, and in many ways it felt like a revival. There was worship. There was a tangible honoring of God’s presence. Person after person unashamedly preached Christ—crucified, resurrected, and the only way to be reconciled to God. Erika Kirk’s extension of forgiveness was one of the most moving, brave, and Christ-like acts I have ever witnessed. For a moment, it felt like America was truly turning. That’s what I was hoping for during TP USA’s halftime show. It wasn’t. At all. Instead, it featured songs celebrating cussing and drinking. Bad Bunny isn’t a picture of what America should aspire to—but neither was this. TP USA, I say this humbly, but I believe you missed a moment. You missed a rare opportunity to bring together worship leaders, testimonies, and bold gospel proclamation. Millions of Americans would have tuned in. Millions could have heard the gospel. But they didn’t. There is a moment in Scripture where Joshua encounters a warrior—the “commander of the Lord’s armies” (very likely a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ). Joshua asks him, “Whose side are you on?” The warrior turns the question back on him: “Whose side are you on?” When leaders stand with God, we must courageously and unashamedly stand with them. Many of the issues we face today are not merely political; they are biblical. And when leaders fail to stand with God, then we must stand with God ourselves. We must return to a holy fear of the Lord—a reverence for His Word, His standards, and His righteousness. Above all, we must always make sure we are found on the Lord’s side.
What Fasting Does to the Brain — and Why God Designed It That Way Understanding the Divine Intelligence Behind Mental Clarity, Emotional Peace, and Spiritual Sensitivity During Fasting For many Christians, fasting is mainly viewed as a spiritual discipline — something we do to draw near to God, silence distractions, and pursue breakthrough. And while those things are absolutely true, modern neuroscience has uncovered something remarkable: Your brain was designed to function differently — and often better — during fasting.
Not worse. Not weaker.
Better. It turns out that Scripture’s ancient rhythm of fasting lines up perfectly with how God engineered your brain to operate. The spiritual clarity, peace, and sensitivity people often feel during a fast are not imaginary. They are deeply biological — and intentionally designed by God. Let’s explore how fasting affects your brain and why that change matters for your walk with God. 1. Your Brain’s Energy Shift: From Glucose to Ketones Under normal circumstances, your brain runs primarily on glucose , the quick-burning sugar that comes from carbs. But during fasting, glucose becomes scarce, and your liver begins producing ketones — especially beta-hydroxybutyrate. What’s amazing is that ketones are a better fuel for the brain than glucose. They provide: Cleaner-burning energy More ATP per molecule (more power) A steadier energy supply Less oxidative stress Think of glucose like burning firewood — it works, but it’s smoky and inconsistent.
Ketones are like burning natural gas — clean, stable, highly efficient. When your brain receives ketones, you experience: Sharper thinking More stable emotions Better concentration Fewer mental highs and lows It’s no wonder the saints of old fasted when they needed clarity. 2. Ketones Switch On “Brain Superpowers” As ketones rise, they trigger the release of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) — often called “Miracle-Gro for your brain.” BDNF: Protects your brain Grows new neural pathways Strengthens memory Enhances creativity Helps repair damaged areas of the brain During fasting, BDNF can rise as much as 300–400%. This is why fasting often makes you feel: More focused More insightful More creative More emotionally grounded You’re literally thinking with a sharper brain. 3. Fasting Activates Autophagy: The Brain’s Cleanup Mode Autophagy means “self-eating,” but think of it more like “self-cleaning.” In fasting, your neurons begin: Breaking down toxic proteins Clearing old cell debris Repairing weak mitochondrial engines Resetting electrical pathways If you ever feel “foggy,” “scattered,” or “cluttered,” fasting often wipes the slate clean. Even more fascinating:
Autophagy is one of the reasons fasting is protective against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. The same “cleaning” that helps your brain spiritually also heals it physically. 4. Fasting Reduces Brain Inflammation One of the biggest enemies of mental clarity is neuroinflammation — microscopic swelling in your brain that messes with mood, focus, and energy. Fasting dramatically reduces this inflammation because: Ketones are anti-inflammatory Blood sugar stabilizes Microglial cells (brain immune cells) calm down What you feel as “peace,” “stillness,” or “clarity” during fasting is not imagined.
It's a neurological reset. This is why fasting is historically paired with prayer — a quieter brain hears God more clearly. 5. Fasting Improves Emotional Regulation and Stress Resilience During fasting, your brain increases GABA , your calming neurotransmitter, and decreases glutamate, your excitatory neurotransmitter. This leads to: Reduced anxiety A calmer emotional baseline Greater resilience to stress More stable reactions Many people say things like: “I felt more patient during my fast.” “I didn’t react as quickly.” “I felt more grounded.” That’s not just spiritual discipline — it’s biochemistry aligning with spiritual direction. 6. Why All This Matters Spiritually You’ve felt it before: When fasting, Scripture seems to come alive. Prayers feel deeper. Worship feels more intimate. Decisions feel clearer. The Holy Spirit feels nearer. Why? Because fasting creates the perfect internal environment for hearing God. ❖ A quieter brain reduces the noise that usually drowns out His voice. ❖ A calmer nervous system allows you to discern gently instead of grasping desperately. ❖ A sharper mind makes Scripture more vivid and revelation more accessible. ❖ A humbled body makes space for the Spirit to lead. This is not coincidence — it is design . God hardwired your biology to support your spirituality. 7. God’s Design: Why Did He Make the Brain Respond This Way? Because fasting is not punishment — it is preparation. Fasting prepares: Your mind to hear Your heart to respond Your spirit to receive Your will to surrender Your emotions to stabilize God created fasting as a pathway to: Breakthrough Clarity Strength Authority Intimacy Renewal It’s woven into both biology and Scripture.
The natural and the supernatural are not separate — they’re two sides of the same masterpiece. Final Thought: The Divine Advantage of an Empty Stomach When you fast, you are not weakening yourself. You are: Sharpening your mind Cleansing your brain Calming your emotions Resetting your body Awakening your spirit You were built for this.
God crafted you to thrive — mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually — in the rhythm of fasting. Fasting doesn't just empty your stomach.
It empties your mind of noise, your soul of clutter, and your spirit of distraction… …so God can fill you with His wisdom, His presence, and His power.
Which realm are you living out of?
How Biblical Fasting Fires on All Four Cylinders of Human Renewal Fasting has often been misunderstood as a fringe, extreme, or archaic practice—something reserved for hyper-spiritual saints or health fanatics. But fasting is actually a timeless and holistic habit woven into the design of the human body, spirit, and psyche. The Bible doesn’t say, “ If you fast,” but rather, “ When you fast” (Matthew 6:16). Perhaps that's because we were created for this ancient rhythm of reset, repair, and reconnection. In this post, we’ll unpack the four dimensions of fasting—the mind, body, soul, and spirit—and discover how abstaining from food can restore us on levels we’ve forgotten we even have. 1. Fasting and the Mind: Mental Clarity & Emotional Reset Your brain is the most energy-demanding organ in your body. When you fast, it gets a rare chance to switch out of constant glucose-fueled processing and tap into a cleaner-burning source— ketones . Mental Benefits of Fasting: Increased clarity and focus Reduced anxiety and mood swings Improved memory and neuroplasticity (your brain’s “flexibility”) Fasting gives your brain a break from the constant churn of digestion and blood sugar regulation. It’s like switching off notifications for hours and finally being able to go deep on that big idea, lingering wound, or God’s whisper you've been too busy to hear. “Be still, and know that I am God.” —Psalm 46:10 Fasting helps you finally find the stillness that leads to true knowing. 2. Fasting and the Body: Cellular Cleanup & Strength Renewal When you stop eating, your body is forced to flip the switch from using quick-access carbs to slow-burning stored fat. But more happens than just fat loss—there’s a biological spring cleaning party happening at the cellular level. Key Physical Benefits: Autophagy: Your cells recycle and remove damaged proteins and toxins. Reduced inflammation and disease risk Stem cell activation (after longer fasts), fostering cellular renewal Lower blood pressure, improved heart health, and better insulin sensitivity It’s no wonder medical researchers are calling fasting a “ miracle therapy in disguise. ” But as Christians, we know the physical is just one part of the story... 3. Fasting and the Soul: Realigning Desires & Breaking Bondage The soul—the place of your emotions , will, and desires —is deeply shaped by habits. And few habits are as powerful (and as sneaky) as your relationship with food. Fasting exposes what really controls us. “Do I really need this, or am I just bored?” “Have I trained myself to believe I can’t function without caffeine?” “Am I eating to satisfy my stomach—or to soothe my soul?” Fasting reveals where comfort has replaced calling, where cravings become chains. But it also gives the soul space to heal, to surrender, and to breathe deeply again. “I beat my body and make it my slave,” Paul says in 1 Corinthians 9:27. Fasting reminds your soul who’s in charge—not your appetite, not your habit— you , in Christ. 4. Fasting and the Spirit: Deep Communion & Divine Power Fasting isn’t just a detox for the body or a reboot for the mind—it’s an accelerator for spiritual intimacy and authority. Spiritual Benefits: Heightened sensitivity to God’s voice Greater dependency on the Holy Spirit Increased power in spiritual warfare Revelation, breakthrough, and clarity in prayer Jesus fasted. Moses fasted. Esther fasted. The early church fasted before sending out leaders and making decisions. Why? Because fasting doesn’t twist God’s arm— it tunes our hearts . Fasting is a declaration: “God, I want You more than anything else—even more than my daily bread.” “This kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” —Matthew 17:21 There are levels of spiritual authority you can't reach while feeding your flesh. The Holistic Power of Fasting Fasting isn't just deprivation—it's divine design. It’s where: The mind gets still The body gets clean The soul gets aligned The spirit gets revived Your body heals, your habits weaken, your spirit sharpens, and your purpose rises. All because you emptied yourself to allow God to fill what food never could. Final Encouragement If you're feeling spiritually dull, physically sluggish, or emotionally overstimulated—fasting might be your next step of obedience and breakthrough. We don’t fast to get God’s attention —we fast to give Him ours. Whether it’s a 24-hour fast, a 3-day fast, or a Daniel fast, let your hunger for food be a reminder of your hunger for God. He’s still the Bread of Life—and fasting simply clears the table of distractions so we can feast on Him.
Why Christians’ Involvement at the Gate of Government Is Not Christian Nationalism Dismantling the Lies That Keep Christians, Pastors, and Churches from Engaging at the Gate of Government My Story I’ll admit it — I had fallen for the lies. At nineteen, I was a student at a conservative evangelical Pentecostal college. It was an incredible environment — chapels filled with the Holy Spirit, professors who genuinely cared for their students, deep theological training, and lifelong friendships. But no college is perfect. Just like there’s no perfect church, family, or person. As a naive young man studying for ministry, I absorbed everything I was taught. A few professors, however, began subtly introducing ideas like: America was inherently racist. The Founding Fathers weren’t really Christians — they were Deists — so our foundations weren’t truly Judeo-Christian. Evangelical Christians had fallen into “Christian Nationalism,” trying to establish God’s Kingdom politically in America. The worst part? These ideas were wrapped in Bible verses and presented as “the real truth,” making young, impressionable students question their upbringing, their churches, and their faith. It took me years to realize what I had been taught wasn’t true. Still wounded, I spent the next fifteen years convinced pastors and churches should steer clear of anything that even appeared political. But over time, through Scripture and prayer, I regained both my theological footing and my voice. It all began with one crucial shift — a truth I’ll unpack in this first blog. The Primary Theological Shift The biggest lie keeping Christians, pastors, and churches from engaging at the Gate of Government is the accusation of “Christian Nationalism.” The claim goes something like this: “Jesus wasn’t political, and you shouldn’t be either. You’re trying to make America the new Israel and turn the gospel into a political kingdom.” In this model, the picture looks like this:
In Acts 19 , we see a striking contrast between the ministry of Paul and the ministry of the Seven Sons of Sceva . Paul walked in true spiritual authority —demons fled, the sick were healed, and Jesus was exalted. The Sons of Sceva, however, while recognized and itinerant in ministry, lacked the substance of power. They had platform , but not presence . They had recognition , but not revelation . They tried to confront darkness, but darkness confronted them. There is a line being drawn today —not just between the world and the church, but between the true church and those who merely perform religion . The difference? Authority. And Jesus tells us how we receive it: “This kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” — Matthew 17:21 As Keenan Clark says: “God unlocks things for those who fast that He does not unlock for those who don’t.” Years ago, I read Fasting for Spiritual Breakthrough by Dr. Elmer Towns , based on Isaiah 58 —God’s blueprint for fasting that produces real power. Below is that foundation, expanded and adapted. As you read, ask the Holy Spirit: What are You calling me to fast for? The 12 Biblical Fasts (from Isaiah 58) 1. The Disciple’s Fast – Breaking Bondage & Generational Curses Isaiah 58: “To loose the bonds of wickedness” (v. 6a) “I will feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father” (v. 14c) “You shall raise up the foundations of many generations” (v. 12b) Purpose: Break sin patterns, addictions, and generational strongholds—shifting your spiritual inheritance and blessing future generations. 2. The Ezra Fast – For Guidance and Solutions “To undo the heavy burdens .” (v. 6b) Scripture: Ezra 8:21–23 Purpose: Seek God’s wisdom when facing overwhelming decisions or challenges. 3. The Samuel Fast – For Revival and Awakening “To let the oppressed go free .” (v. 6c) “And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt… restorer of streets to dwell in .” (v. 12) Purpose: Intercession for the lost and revival in homes, churches, and cities. 4. The Elijah Fast – To Break Fear, Depression, and Discouragement “To undo the straps of the yoke .” (v. 6d) “Then you shall take delight in the Lord .” (v. 14a) Scripture: 1 Kings 19:4–8 Purpose: Replace emotional heaviness with renewed joy and strength. 5. The Widow’s Fast – Releasing Provision through Compassion “To share your bread with the hungry .” (v. 7a) “You shall be like a watered garden , whose waters do not fail.” (v. 11c) Scripture: 1 Kings 17:8–16 Purpose: Generosity in fasting opens supernatural provision. 6. The Saint Paul Fast – Revelation & Calling “And the Lord will guide you continually .” (v. 11a) Scripture: Acts 9:9–19 Purpose: Spiritual clarity, vision, and divine assignment. 7. The Ziklag Fast – To Recover What Was Stolen “And satisfy your soul in scorched places.” (v. 11b) Scripture: 1 Samuel 30 Purpose: Restoration of what the enemy has taken. 8. The Daniel Fast – Health, Healing, and Strength “Your healing shall spring forth speedily.” (v. 8b) “And make your bones strong .” (v. 11c) Scripture: Daniel 1:8–20 Purpose: Renew physical strength and health. 9. The John the Baptist Fast – A Pure and Powerful Witness “Then shall your light break forth like the dawn.” (v. 8a) Scripture: Luke 1:15–17 Purpose: Alignment of lifestyle with calling to influence others for Christ. 10. The Esther Fast – Favor, Influence, and Deliverance “And I will make you ride on the heights of the earth .” (v. 14b) Scripture: Esther 4:16 Purpose: God-given influence to bring deliverance to others. 11. The Daniel Fast (Part 2) – Breaking Territorial Strongholds “To break every yoke .” (v. 6d) Scripture: Daniel 10:12–13 Purpose: Spiritual breakthrough over regions and cities. 12. The Antioch Fast – Multiplying Disciples and Churches Scripture: Acts 13 Purpose: To raise leaders and release kingdom multiplication. Practical Tips for Fasting Plan ahead (calendar + family conversations matter). Write down your purpose— aim gives power. The first 36 hours are often emotionally and physically difficult— push through . Let hunger become worship. Reduce intense physical activity. Use Scripture, prayer, journaling, and silence. A Call to Faith and Action Fasting is not about earning something from God—it’s about making space for Him to move. It is the yielding of our strength so His strength can be revealed. The world does not need: more clever sermons more polished ministries more Christian content The world needs Christians who carry the fire of God. So I ask you: What is God calling you to fast for? Freedom? Healing? Revival? Your children? Your city? Your calling? The invitation is simple: Return to hunger. Return to the altar. Return to power. The same God who answered Paul, Elijah, Esther, and Daniel still answers today . Set your fast. Set your faith. Step in. Breakthrough is near.
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