Fast ForwardSample
Day 19: Be a Finisher, not a Quitter
Many believers have a bad habit of not finishing their fast to the end. Now, I do not want to make you feel guilty if you have not finished a fast in the past. My goal is to develop in you the mindset of a “finisher.” Do not quit fasting–finish!
Jesus is our best example. He is called the author and finisher of our faith. To develop a “finisher” mindset, we must rely on the Holy Spirit. Here are seven steps I have used to grow in consistency with prayer, reading Scripture, fasting, extravagant giving, and even practical things like exercising and writing.
1. Desire
Everything starts with desire.
Do you have the desire to have a desire? God can work with that. If there is no desire, be honest with God. Tell Him you want to change because He can also work with that.
2. Decision
Desire leads to a decision. A decision is making up your mind about something and moving forward to the end result. You will be pleasantly surprised at how much of God’s favor you will enjoy by making the right decisions.
3. Dependence
Strong desires and firm decisions are good, but you must come to the Holy Spirit for inner strength.
It is not about discipline; it is all about dependence. Rely on the power of the Holy Spirit more than on your own willpower and strength.
4. Determination
We must submit our decisions to the Holy Spirit and ask Him for help. Upon surrendering to the Spirit, we must deny ourselves and be determined to do what God has called us to do.
We are people of faith, not of feelings. God wants steadfast believers.
5. Delight
After discipline becomes a routine, we begin to enjoy what we could only once endure.
I truly believe that God does not want us to simply endure the tasks of praying, reading, and fasting.
6. Difference
It is exciting when you start seeing a change in your life after your decision, discipline, and delight. People notice the fruit, and whatever you do prospers. Choose to enjoy the work of God’s grace in your life.
7. Destiny
If you pay the price to walk with God all your life, it becomes easier for your kids to do the same. Generational blessings are as real as generational curses.
Be a finisher, not a quitter. You are close to the finish line–finish!
Let's Pray:
Lord, thank You because it has been You who has helped me through this fast. As I continue, break the mindset of limitation off of me. I recognize that I have had a hard time finishing what I started. Lord, shift my mindset to be determined and unshakeable. I depend completely on You. Help me finish this fast and make any other right decision.
About this Plan
Fasting is not starvation or an involuntary absence of food; it is abstaining from food for spiritual reasons. Fasting is not a hunger strike, and it is not a diet—a diet focuses on helping you lose weight, while fasting draws you closer to God. This is a great devotional use as you fast.
More