Ernest Smith

Over the next few conversations, I want to share some insights from a recent spiritual journey I experienced.  So, let’s go…

A few weeks ago, my pastor, Greg Surratt, challenged the congregation to fast for 21 days.  Every year, Seacoast conducts a 21 day fast to encourage the church to seek God more for their personal lives and for the health of the church.  I knew this time was coming, so I began praying about what God wanted me to fast.

I have fasted many times and many things in the past.  I have fasted social media, TV, chocolate, cheese (trust me, that was harder than it sounds) and all food.  Before I made a decision as to what I was going to fast, I decided to read a book called “Fasting” by Jentzen Franklin.  I sensed that I needed a renewed vision for what fasting was supposed to be for and this book definitely gave me that.

As I read the book, I was introduced to what the author calls “King Stomach.”  Franklin says that King Stomach is the greatest appetite in our lives and if we can learn to control King Stomach, then we can learn to control the other appetites in our lives….at least that is what I got out of the book.

So, there it was…the challenge I needed.  I was going to fast food, ALL food, for the length of the fast.  I told my wife and my accountability partners, and I knew that with their prayer and support, this was going to be a journey I would not soon forget.

As it is with any no food fast, by day two and three, I was extremely hungry.  I was second guessing my decision and trying to find a loophole in my commitment.  I thought that God would understand if I chose to break the commitment…and He would have.  I thought God would never love me less if I couldn’t go through with it…and He wouldn’t.  I thought, I can discover the presence of God even without this fast…and I can.  However, I knew that God was encouraging me to seek Him like I have never sought Him before and it was in those early days that I had to learn to…

Persevere No Matter the Temptation

It would have been easy on day 3 to give up and eat.  It would have been easy to sneak a bite of food while no one was looking.  It would have been easy to take a break for “just one day.”  But, most great things in life don’t come easy…you have to persevere.

Whatever God is calling you to do in your life…Give up sin…End a relationship…Stay at a job…Share your faith…Serve in the church…Move to another city…Whatever God is calling you to do in your life…

Persevere no matter the temptation.  God will come through for you.  He will honor your commitment to Him.  The temptation will pass.  You will overcome by His presence and power.  Stay strong.  Stay focused.  Stay committed.

Side Note: If you have fallen to temptation, just remember that God’s grace is sufficient.  He loves you.  He forgives you.  He gives you a second chance to start over.

What is God calling you to persevere in?