The Mended Rib: A 27-Day Devotional for Men Battling Lust and InfidelitySample

Not So… Fast!

Fasting is a powerful spiritual discipline that shifts your focus to God and helps you gain strength to overcome temptation. By denying your flesh, you quiet the distractions and rely on God's power instead of your own. Fasting has the ability to break chains of lust and addiction, teaching you to depend on God's strength to conquer the battles you face. It humbles you before God, aligns your heart with His will, and empowers you to resist both physical cravings and spiritual temptations.

I often think of fasting as being in a boat on dry land. Fasting doesn’t bring the water to you; it brings you to the water. In other words, fasting doesn’t make God move, but it brings you into alignment with what He’s already doing. It kills the desires of the flesh, sharpens your spiritual focus, and brings your spirit in tune with God’s voice and direction.

When you're aligned with God, your ability to hear Him becomes clearer, and the pull of temptation weakens. Fasting humbles your heart, positioning you to receive guidance from the Holy Spirit and resist the temptations that once held power over you. It’s a spiritual reset that connects you more deeply with God's will, giving you the strength and clarity to fight temptation and walk in victory.

Fasting is not about manipulating God to act—it’s about aligning yourself with what He is already doing, allowing Him to shape and transform you from the inside out.

Challenge

Consider fasting from a meal or social media today and dedicate that time to prayer. Ask God to give you the strength to overcome temptation and to rely on His power in your battle with lust.

Prayer

Lord, as I fast and seek You, give me the spiritual strength to resist temptation. Help me to depend on You and not on my own strength. Amen.