Thursday, January 1, 2026

New Testament Reading Plan: Ephesians 5

When you’d rather quit than continue.

If we’re being honest, sometimes fasting feels more like a burden than a blessing. Especially when the desire for what we’ve given up becomes very strong. So what do we do with that? 

First, some reassurance. It’s normal to be tempted toward whatever we’ve decided to go without. Our patterns of satisfying ourselves with food, technology, or entertainment are usually ingrained and hard to break. It’s not comfortable, but remember, that’s the whole point of fasting.
Galatians 5:24-25
Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. 

This passage shows us that when we deny our desires, we must also strive to replace them by seeking God’s leading instead. Without his Spirit guiding us, a plan to fast is just a plan to diet for a while. 

That’s why it’s important that our fasting plans include strategies for dealing with temptation. Here are some suggestions for when your stomach growls or you get the urge to doom scroll:

Pray to connect with God. Confess that your desire for what you’ve given up feels stronger than your desire for God, and ask for renewed strength to desire him. Try a simple breath prayer of Psalm 42:1. Inhale and pray: As the deer longs for streams of water... then exhale as you pray: so I long for you, O God. 

Spend time in worship to remind yourself of your dependence on God. Here is a playlist to get you started. 

Create space to quietly listen for God’s voice. Instead of speaking or playing music, pause from activity and focus your mind on the presence of God with you. When thoughts arise, surrender them to God, and invite him to speak to you. 

Take a walk in nature to observe the beauty and wonder of God’s creation. Focus on the sights, sounds, and smells you might otherwise overlook. 

Make time to read Scripture, truly studying it. Read slowly and re-read even more slowly. Pay attention to words and phrases that direct your thoughts to God. Journal what you learn about God’s character, how he sees you, and how he calls you to live. 

Remember: God isn’t disappointed or angry when you’re tempted to quit your fast. What matters to God is how you respond—that you treat temptation as a chance to cultivate dependence on God, follow the Spirit’s leading, and grow closer to him through it.

Questions:
How do you feel or respond when you experience temptation? 

What would it look like to deny your desires and follow God’s Spirit instead?

How does planning a response to temptation differ from trying to avoid it?

Next Steps:
Write down two or three of the strategies above that will best help you deal with temptation, with specific details (where you’ll go, what you’ll read, etc.), and update your fasting plan to include them.

Talk to a trusted spiritual friend or mentor about your strategies for responding to temptation, and invite them to remind you about them and pray for you.

Prayer: 

God, I praise you for the opportunity I have to connect with you. Help me remember that your presence with me is enough, and forgive me for the times I choose my desires over you. Please give me strength to replace my automatic urges and habits with a heart that seeks and desires you. In Jesus’ name, amen.

This post was written by Ashley Allen, a Content Development intern at CedarCreek and Findlay attendee.