If At First You Don't Succeed, Try Again

There is a list of guidelines suggested by the Ark of Salvation during the 40/42 day prayer and fasting program.  Eating the food as outlined in the fast has not been an issue for me.  I’ve been consistently shopping and preparing my fruits and vegetables, in advance. However, my struggle has been reading God’s Word, reciting the daily proclamation twice a day and reading the frequently asked questions once a week. I am eating healthy.  I am drinking more water. I am listening to the audios twice a day. I am praying twice a day, but, I am not exercising as much as I need to. I jump out of bed and easily get off track with my daily regimen because I am rushing to get my day started.  If I don’t exercise as soon as I get up, working out will not happen.  If I don’t read the bible, pray and read my daily proclamation out loud before I rush out of the house, I will get off track and I won’t accomplish my goals.  Because of the lack of time-management I am starting this fast over again.

So I asked myself, if I want to receive a miracle as a result of the sacrifices I must be willing to make during my fast, why is it so hard for me to be consistent?  If I am willing to follow the instructions and the guidelines as outline for the 7 deadly sins 40/42 fasting regimen, then why do I continue to sabotage my success? Based on my self-assessment, I realized I need to go to bed early so that I can get up an hour early. Managing my time early in the morning sets the stage for the rest of my day.  The real problem is not the lack of motivation or self-discipline, its being willing to discipline myself so that I can incorporate time management into my daily activities.

According to the Word of God in Hebrews 12:11, “No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening--it is painful! But afterward there will be a quiet harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way”. (NLT - Tyndale House).  This may sound simple and obvious, but in practice it’s extremely difficult at times.  I know managing my time and disciplining myself is a path that can ultimately lead me to inner peace and freedom from bad habits.  I know I can never become the person God wants me to be without self-discipline. So, if I really want to reap the benefits of this fast, I need to take the steps necessary to establish one on one communication with God.  Next, I can ask God for the strength and encouragement I need to give me the willingness to replace old habits with new ones.  And then, I can ask God for His help to establish routines that will give me some control over my life and my time.

 Once I make a decision to manage my time, I can incorporate my new early morning routines into my daily activities.  I can accomplish my goals to get closer to God by reading His Word daily. Next, I must position myself so that God can provide ongoing directions to me.  I need to manage my time so that I can sit still long enough to hear what God has to say to me. After all, listening to God is when I get answers to many of my prayers.  Reading the Word of God and praying consistently is the goal of the 40/42 day praying and fasting program.   I don’t know about you, but I have always struggled incorporating reading the Word of God into my daily activities. This fast is the manifestation of one of my prayer request to understand the Word of God, and to incorporate the spiritual principles of the bible in every area of my life.  I thank God for empowering me with the willingness to change and the desire to enhance my relationship with Him.

              

                    Peace, Love, Joy and Good Health!!!  God Bless You. 
                                              Wanda Ross, A Woman of Prophetic Destiny