Day 7: Choices Tested
When you make the choice to fast, temptations and distractions will come. That bite of pizza or birthday cake will come your way. A temptation to sin or fold under the weight of calamity will come. If you have not already made up your mind to honor God no matter the consequences, then you will most likely compromise. That is why Ecclesiastes 12 says to, “Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, before the difficult days come.” There will come a day when your responses to God and the choices you have made will be tested.
That day came for Job. Satan came to test him to his core. In one single day Job lost everything that he cared about and loved. His children, his servants, his herds, his properties … all destroyed in the blink of an eye. Hearing that news: Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head, and he fell to the ground and worshiped. And he said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked shall I return there. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; Blessed be the name of the LORD.” In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong. —Job 1:20–22
That so amazes me. I cannot imagine how my heart would break if something happened to just one of my children. Job immediately demonstrated the outward signs of mourning in that culture, but the powerful thing was what he demonstrated from the inside: he fell to the ground …and worshiped. In the face of utter calamity and loss, his heart was already prepared to worship God no matter what. Even our brokenness and great pain can be poured out on the feet of Jesus as an offering of worship. There always comes a day of testing. That is when the value of a made-up mind truly counts.
When Job was younger and stronger, he responded to his Redeemer and made right choices that prepared him for the hard times so that he would not waiver in the face of such utter loss. He made up his mind that no matter what, he would praise his God.
That is why the writer of Ecclesiastes said to “remember your Creator in your youth,” when your head is clear and the burdens of this life have not taken hold. As you set your mind that you will not compromise during a fast, you build confidence and endurance that can carry you through the trials and battles that come.
Make up your mind to go after God with all your heart. Set aside times of fasting and prayer, seeking to know Him better.
January 12, 2013 | Permalink
42 Responses to Day 7: Choices Tested
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Antoinette says:
At this very moment the devil is trying to come in like a flood to distract me and my loved ones from continuing on this fast. But glory be to God I have made up my mind to continue on this fast until the completion of it. The devil is a liar and the father of lies there is no truth in him at all. But God is my Father and a very good one at that!!!! I am so amazed how the intervened on my behalf and stopped the devil right in his tracks. My Lord brung me to my senses and encouraged me to focus on my fasting and praying until the answers come. Thank you Jesus!!!! I want to thank you Pastor Franklin for continuously helping us to keep our eyes, hearts, and minds stayed on Jesus our Lord and Saviour!!! And for spurring us on to victory!!!!!!! God continue to richly bless this ministry to continue to reach countless others too!!!! Let’s also continue to pray for one another!
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Halleluaa!! One of my prayer items is financial breakthrough and this morning my dad has just given me the money he promised to give me last year,it has started, He is indeed a God who restores Joel2 vs 25!
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Wow that’s awesome….I have being praying for so many things from the start of this fast and have received some of the answers to my prayers on the 2nd day.
My dad sponsored my entire trip to tour Europe.
Amazing how God can do miracles all over the world at the same time.
Be blessed.
Malcolm
South Africa
Andrewgov30@yahoo.com
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Angela, coming FromWoundedness says:
Talk about temptations, DISTRACTIONS, attacks……
Albeit I am doing okay on my fast (no fast foods, no cokes)….I’m not spending enough time with God,I slept all day today, overslept 2 other days this week. I have gotten a handful of things done. But not enough to be considered in the land of the living. Child support didn’t come in this month for some reason, I barely made rent, I only have one week of unemployment left. Sitting in the reality that it’s been almost 2 years since my hospitalization/left work. NOT suicidal-thank God. But can’t seem to get motivated longer than 10-15 minutes here and there. Just keep thinking, “Tomorrow.” “Tomorrow.” “Tomorrow.” SO MUCH to do, paperwork avoided, student loan calls avoided, housework avoided, feelings avoided, church avoided, showering avoided, life avoided. I know I am doing the bare minimums (get kids to school, make 1 pot meal for dinner) but I need to do better than just breathing. My kids deserve more. Missing my husband again too, not that he would come home to this chaos. Just depressed.
BUT I declare in Jesus Name TODAY will be better. I will spend more time with God, study more, clean more, play more. I will NOT succumb to Satan’s attack. I think I need to increase my partial fast to a full juice/water fast next week. If I did better mentally on a 30 day water fast then I have the past 6 days, then maybe I am not giving enough. I need this time with God. I need restoration, miracles that only He can provide. More importantly, I can’t let go of the relationship I’ve built since J moved out. God has given me gifts in the past 9 months, that I may have never recieved if my husband hadn’t left…something about finding God’s peace in the storms. I need to dig deeper. Not only to I need to sustain my relationship with God, I need to to grow deeper and deeper. I have to go after God WITH ALL of my heart. I have to know him better!
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Y F says:
I am praying for you Angela.
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Barbara says:
Angela~
I don’t know if you will even come back and read this because, for different reasons, I started the fast on February 4, and I am just now reading the comments. Dear sister, it sounds like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders, and I am going to join YF in prayer for you. This is not the life God has for you, and I am going to stand in agreement with you, YF, and God’s Word that He will provide all your need, that He will be your ever present help in time of trouble, that He will fight your battles for you, that He will heal and restore you, that He will keep you so that your foot will not slip, and that He will rejoice over you with singing as you die to yourself and give yourself to Him. I pray that God will strength your inner, spiritual man and that you will daily experience God’s Shalom upon you and every situation. Always remember, He is your Abba Father, and you are His precious daughter. As you pray and read God’s Word and call upon Him to reveal any sin that you need to deal with, He will be faithful to change you and your life for your good and His glory. It is hard, very hard, but with His strength, you can do it because ALL things are possible with Him. The enemy would have us believe differently, so put on the armor of God every day, submit yourself to Him, and stand against the one who calls God a liar. I love you and will continue to hold you up!!
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pat says:
I believe the reason Daniel was able to stand during times of being tested was because he daily spent time with God in prayer and with fasting. So he had no fear knowing whatever he was face with God was able to give him the victory. And I believe because we are beginning our year with fasting and prayer we shall make good decision and over come every temptation and stay focus all year and see the power of God in our lives… Amen praise God he is so good and he loves us we have the victory……..I thank God for touching your heart to do this fast it has change my life …..
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Ros says:
Choices tested is right on point, for I did not waiver, for my mind is made up about this fast and seeking God as hell tried to break loose in my house at 3:00am. as I am seeking prayer for my daughters 19&21 that just dont seem to get along which are two different people with issues. I want them to love each other like Jesus loves us. no fighting no arguing. I confess that they are powerful young women of God that God satisfy their mouth with good things and that they serve him with all their heart soul understanding and strength that He the Father in Jesus name direct their paths.
No matter how it looks the grace of God has given me the confidence to not compromise this worship in the form of a FAST. No matter what as Job said I will praise the the Lord, through the trials and tribulations. -
Patricia Brown says:
I thank God for this Word, and every encouraging word thus far, while on the fast. You really do have to purpose in your heart before entering the fast to withstand against the whiles of the devil, because the tempter will come. I was preparing my meal yesterday and that devil was trying to entice me to eat bread, a croissant roll that I absolutely enjoy! I had to go back to my prayer journal and remind myself why I was fasting. In doing so, I gained the strength to endure. My heart is fixed, my mind’s made up. I’m all in. When I was a child, I used to play a game called, “The Hokey Pokey.” I put my WHOLE SELF IN, and I’m not taking NOTHING out! Oh….. I need God so much. I used to be a 911 Dispatcher, and right now I’m the one with the emergency!
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Malcolm says:
This has really blessed me. I feel as if Bishop Franklin is right in South Africa telling me keep going on. Today is my 7th day and the cramps burdened me this morning but the thought of 1000′s of others pressing in through this kept me going.
There is power thru prayer and fasting. I sense His presence more and more.
Keep going on. Call unto me and I will answer thee and I will show you great and mighty things says the Lord.Malcolm
South Africa -
ud says:
so this is day 7 for most of you but this is day 6 for me.I REALLY NEED HELP ABOUT SOMETHING I’M DEALING WITH. ok, so my main reasons for doing to fast is to really get closer to God and to be able to hear him more but i cant deny that losing weight is the next major reason, i’m a bit scared to say that its my main reason ‘cos that wont be right at all. so far i’ve lost about 3.2kg(about 6lbs) and i’ve been taking juice only.(bottled juice though) . i’ve been trying to lose weight almost since i was eight years old time and i’ve lost about 20kg(44lbs) since june/july last year and i really want this weight loss journey to end by before my birthday pn the 29th of this month. i feel a lot of guilt that i’m not concentrating on seeking God as much as i should and instead i spend all the time looking up how much weight i can lose from a juice fast. i have about 10-12kg(22-26 pounds) left to lose and i just need help. i want to be able to get the full benefit of really fasting ie to be refreshed in my spirit and have a better, sweeter walk with God and at the same time i really need end this weight loss journey. pls i need help…advice, prayers, anything at all, please.
P.S this is my third time joining this fasting movement but i always concentrated on how much weight i could lose…i dont want want that to happen ever again. i need to concentrate on God first.-
wairimu says:
dear ud,
i know exactly what you are talking about. this could have been my entry! this is also my third or fourth time fasting and even though i say its about God I am also very happy to see the jeans getting looser or my tummy getting flatter with every day. God really dealt with me before the fast by getting my husband to challenge me on the real motivation behind this fast and to ask me what God has really really done in previous fasts. That really shook me up. And now, i have to constantly remind myself, praying and asking God to make this fast completely about him. I try not to look for any evidence that i am losing and i keep praying that God will do somethign really special and divine something that has never happened before in the previous fasts. It will take a change of heart and yes, this fixation on weight loss is going to be broken because if i make the same mistake again, i will not see lasting change. I will remember you as i fight the good fight. Lets make it about God, about seeing His Glory in our lives. Read the bible and pray as much as you can. God sees the struggle and He is not unmoved by it-
thank you so much Wairimu for your help. God bless you.
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Violet Coots says:
I needed this today. Temptations have come. I have committed to a liquid fast this year and I have been tempted to change. Thank you for this encouragement to continue what I’ve started.
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Christine says:
Testing is hard, painful and horrible. But when we truly know and trust God, nothing can stop us from drawing closer to Him at all times. I have seen Gods power work in my life and it is AWSOME. Joy always comes in the morning after a night of pain. Let the Lords name be praised. He is our ROCK.
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Jennifer says:
How true this week. THat I have committed to this fast. And yesterday I fell ill. My daughter said, “Well mom when you get sick you quit the fast, right?” And I said no. Just as day 7 was approaching, and I had found my first breakthrough and God was speaking to me the Devil tried to say, “it’s ok. you’ve gone long enough, you’re sick.” But I know God is the Healer and Deliverer. And I am pressing in and knowing there are wonderful things to come!
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Busi N says:
Its true our choices are tested,when you declare fasting you are shaking the devil because we are doing what he doesn’t want us to do(getting closer to God),I believe that my family and I are under attack:we are driving back from the hospital to see my sister-in-law and on our way back a log(wood) hit the windscreen with a great impact I thought the windsreen will be smashed and the log would penetrate through but by God’s grace and mercy it didn’t it just smashed the rear mirrior.I thank Him for always protecting us let’s hold on to His promises may God richly bless you all as we seek His face and let’s continue praying for one another.I really thank the person who introduced me to reading one of pastor Franklin’s book and learn about the fasting that happens every year!
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The Lord is righteous in all He does. The lord is near to all who call on Him, all who call on Him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him;He hears their cry and saves them. Ps. 145;17-19
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vall says:
I LOVE IT! Thank you for directing us to a truly committed fasting. I heard a preacher said “our life,money,home,job etc to be tied to a higher purpose. So our prayer and fasting should be tied to the higher purpose in God.
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Barbie says:
Thank you for this word. Early this morning I was awakened by God to spend time with Him. This has not happened in months. He didnt speak, I didnt speak, but just knelt in His presence. My heart soared as I took joy in His seeking me as seek Him.
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Elsie says:
We need to be of great courage and very sensitive to God. The message is very powerful and God we worship you and offer ourselves to you to use us mightly in your own way. King of Glory be exalted in Jesus name.
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lorena says:
OH HOW I WISH I KNEW THE LORD AS A CHILD. MY MOTHER NEVER TOOK US TO CHURCH; SHE WAS A SINGLE MOM RAISING 3 KIDS. SHE WORKED NIGHTS AND GREAT GRANDMA WAS HOME WITH US IN THE EVENINGS. IT WAS GREAT FOR MOM. DURING THE DAY WE WERE AT SCHOOL, WHEN WE CAME HOME SHE WAS GONE TO WORK. NO DAD OR NO MOM FOR ME AFTER SCHOOL. I WAS 40 YEARS OF AGE WHEN I GAVE MY LIFE TO JESUS. I ENDURED SO MUCH PAIN FROM MAKING THE SAME MISTAKES AS MY MOM DID. BUT EACH TIME I TRIED TO END MY LIFE.. GOD DIDN’T LET IT HAPPEN! THANK YOU FATHER I WOULD BE IN HELL. WHY DIDN’T HE ALLOW IT? BECAUSE I WAS GOING TO BE HIS!! THANK YOU JESUS FOR NEVER GIVING UP ON ME! I AM 57. CONSTANTLY BEING TRANSFORMED BY THE RENEWING OF MY MIND… THESE 17 YEARS OF LIVING FOR CHRIST. AMEN
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Doreen says:
I wish I would of read this sooner. My fast was 7 days water only then switch to Daniel fast for the remaining 2 weeks. Today I was so weak, head and legs aching, felt horrible that I ate some brown rice and sunflower seeds. Tomorrow would of been the 7th day. I just feel horrible like I let God down.
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Micah says:
Condemnation does not come from God. He knows your heart. It is not too late, you can start over and continue in the fast….
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candalyn says:
I am so amazed by how much Satan tries to tempt us when he knows we have made a commitment to God! I am so grateful and blessed that I have God by my side to overcome any and all obstacles that come my way! Fasting is a great way to connect to God and the Holy Spirit and I am thankful to be apart of such a movement!
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Guibithja says:
Praise the Lord for this time of fasting, since we started this blessed time,it was heavy in the beginning but today after making my mind to seek God and after a time of prayer,I felt more light and peace of mind like in a normal day. I praise the Lord for HIS Grace and as I continue remember the Creator of my life and my family, amazing things are on my way.Glory to God.
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ANITA says:
THE TESTS COME TO MAKE US STRONGER. BE BLESS ABOVE IT ALL.
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Lorie H says:
That second sentence is so true for me today. My mouth watered at the taught of all the delicious foods I could have been eating, but because I made up my mind, I told myself ” you can have all of them, but after the fast”. Thank you for the encouragement. God bless you.
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judy says:
amen
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Natachia says:
Your word oh God is food to my soul. Strengthen me on every side that I may build my confidence and endurance in you. To God be all the Glory and Honor. Day 7 of the fast. May God keep each and everyone of us faithful to this fast. Amen.
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Elizabeth says:
Thank u Pastor for praying for us.
20 yrs ago I lost a loved one-my husband but I have always said ”The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; Blessed be the name of the LORD.”Ever since I made up my mind to go after God with all my heart and I am still doing that. -
Titilia says:
Amen! Thank God for endurance and obedience during the trail of life.
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“I REALLY NEED HELP ABOUT SOMETHING I’M DEALING WITH. ok, so my main reasons for doing to fast is to really get closer to God and to be able to hear him more but i cant deny that losing weight is the next major reason”
Keep moving forward. Do your best to ignore your weight and focus on God. Maybe you could ask a friend to keep your scale for the next 2 weeks so that it can’t tempt you. My last fast started off right, but when 15 pounds dropped off overnight I got a bit too excited about that and started checking my weight daily. I continued to pray but it was a distraction. And in the end….once the fast was over I regained all of my weight back anyway because I slowly crept back into my usual habits. SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSOOOOOOOOO….get rid of the scale, and focus on God. The weightloss won’t be permanent unless you spend some serious time with God discussing what changes you need to make, what you need to do to maintain your temple for the longrun. I’m praying for you. If i can do this ANYONE can…..will power, determination is not my strong suit!
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You are a blessing Angela. thank you so much. i trust God that we shall all come out victorious and have great and mighty testimonies.
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Ifuela says:
Thank You Jesus. I so needed this. I was so very hungry and tempted to eat a piece of chicken, but GOD showed me that there are bigger and better things at the end of this fast. God, I sure do need you. I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth. I’ve got the power in Jesus’s name. AMEN
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vilencia says:
i am craving cigarettes, please Lord release me from the cigarettes!
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kelly says:
Dear Ud,
I know exactly what you mean. Just remember that the enemy wants us to look at the scales. It is ok to have goals but it sounds like youe peace is under attack. Think of it this way, pick someone in your life that you care for deeply, and ask yourself ” would I waste the precious time I have with this person obssessing over my weight or would I enjoy thier their presence in my life. I have the same challenge as you yet I failed at this fast last year and have made up my mind that I will not fail this year. We have to be realistic and not think that our suffering is worse than someone else’s. Honestly, when you make up your mind and continually ask God for the GIFT of faith,He will shower you with it. He loves you Ud!!! (3 exclamation points-Father,Son and Holy Spirit). RELAX, Weight lost can always be weight regained so, concentrate on Jesus please or you will spend this whole fast stressed out. If the Daniel fast was good enough for Daniel then it should be good enough for us. God blessed Daniel with gifts, supernatural protection, wisdom, prophetic gifts. Not a bad list to choose from huh. I’ll pray for you Ud. Hang in there. Kelly
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Thank you Kelly, i am really encouraged. God bless you so much
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Dear Doreen,
You didn’t Let God down. Don’t let the enemy lie to you. A Daniel fast is no sugar, meat,or bread. Just pick yourself, up dust yourself off, and start day 7 with veggies and water/tea, (the daniel fast) and remind the devil where his eternal home will be. God will honor your guts and determination. Love Kelly
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michelle says:
Weight loss is an added benefit to fasting but should not be main reason because unless strongholds are broken off in your life u will only regain the weight and possibly more. I have had lots of food and weight issues all my life so I understand the excitement of losing weight but one of my goals in seeking the Lord during this fast is to tear down the strongholds concerning food, to be free in every area.The Lord has been faithful to set me free from other addictions so He can easily do this as well!
It is my 6th day and i am determined ,with the grace of God to finish this race.