Breaking Point

You may sometimes experience struggle early on in the race.

It’s okay to experience struggle, just recognize it for what it is: a struggle.

Theodore Roosevelt said, “Nothing in the world is worth having or worth doing unless it means effort, pain, difficulty… I have never in my life envied a human being who led an easy life. I have envied a great many people who led difficult lives and led them well.”

This is so much more applicable when we realize what God has to offer us. It doesn’t matter when the struggle comes in, you still feel it.

Early Day Struggles

Feeling tempted to give up. You may feel like you’ve made this commitment to quickly, or you haven’t prayed enough about it. You’re tempted to start at another time.

Feeling overwhelmed. The fast is taking a lot of effort. Some are doing a Daniel Fast, so it’s shopping for fruits/vegetables. You have more questions than answers: Can I eat legumes? Are peanuts okay? What about whole wheat?

Feeling old and grumpy. Fasting can bring to the surface some uncomfortable feelings. You can feel easily angered and maybe even lash out (more than usual).

Just blah! You don’t know how or why you’re feeling blah, but you do know it’s got you thinking about giving up.

So, what do you do when you think about quitting?

Here are a few Scriptures to keep you from giving up.

Isaiah 41:10
“fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Psalm 46:1-3
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah

2 Timothy 1:7
for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

Psalm 55:22
Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.

Don’t Give Up, Keep Going, You Can Do It!

So, if you are feeling discouraged, don’t worry because it is natural. Take some time to get focused, read the Word and know if God is for you, who can be against you.