You Can Stop Complaining: A Five-Day Fast!Sample

So what’s the big deal with complaining?

Complaining. Everyone does it. That's what we do, err—it's American. We complain about the weather. We grumble about the new boss at work. We disapprove of our child's teacher. We fret about the bills. We murmur to others about the loud worship music. And the President, oh, don't get me started!

We complain about small things—waiting in line. We complain about medium size things—the price of the Internet. We complain about big things—God! Wait a minute. I know you're saying to yourself, "When did I complain about God?" We will get to that further on today.

As a follower of Jesus, I'm sure you recognize the importance of fasting. You have probably combined fasting food and prayer. You may have fasted meat for Lent or perhaps fasted other things. Some people fast watching the TV for a few days, or others might fast technology for a day—now that's a challenging fast, even for twenty-four hours.

Fasting words may sound completely strange to you. However, the Scriptures make it clear that some things only happen by fasting. And in this case, it is removing complaining from our life. Surround fasting complaining words with prayer, and you will position yourself for a significant change in your heart and what comes out of your mouth (Matthew 12:34). 

So, Lord, when was it that I was complaining about You? 

You do it every time you complain about anything. After all, who is in control of your life? (Isaiah 41:10) Who orders your steps? (Psalm 37:23). Who makes all things work for your good? (Romans 8:28)

Here's why complaining is such a huge deal. 

When you complain about the details of your life, you are complaining about God. You send a direct communication to God; I don't trust You. I don't believe You have my life under Your control. Worse yet, complaining sends a message to God, I don't believe You are good!  

Complaining strikes at the very heart of God because God is good. Moses asked God to let him see God's glory. God responded to Moses's request by telling him, "I will make all My goodness pass before You (Exodus 33:19)."

Let's meet the monster of complaining head on, and starve him to death. We can do this by fasting complaining words. You are off to a great start. Keep praying and fasting complaining words for four more days!