Before You Give It Up Make Sure You Know Who Does It All

As I peruse the pages of so many social media sites I am noticing so many persons are making the decision to give things up during this season of Lent. The idea of giving things up or rather fasting is a beautifully spectacular idea. Fasting is a true gift from God where the person fasting receives greater spiritual clarity and insight. The person fasting enters into a partnership with God purposed to show God’s awesomeness in the midst of a chaotic world. I caution persons in the body of Christ to always remember why they are giving things up during this season of Lent.

Your giving up is never purposed to be a weight loss initiative, nor is it purposed to be a time where you give up things that are ultimately detrimental to your Christ-like character because you should not have been participating in those activities previous to the fast (i.e., cussing, fighting, lying, gambling etc). Ultimately, when you give things up make sure it is God who gets the glory and not you.
Even in the midst of your fasting you may experience an overwhelming sense to give up or throw in the towel. However, I am encouraged in the word of the Lord that says the battle is not yours, it is the Lord (2 Chronicles 20:15) I think about the fact that I oftentimes find myself trying to fight in my own strength, when I should be relying on God’s strength. I am finding that it is quite normal for people to automatically react out of themselves rather than adhering to the power and provision of God because of a natural spirit of discouragement.
Discouragement comes in so many forms. For some, it comes in the fact that they are not recognized for the successes on their jobs. For others, discouragement comes in the fact they see themselves as an inferior being. Even more, many find discouragement in the notion of their gifts and talents are not recognized. In the face of so many adversaries, we must remind ourselves that this battle is not ours, but it is the Lords and thusly, no matter what obstacle was to be thrown our way we will be victorious.
If you are going to sincerely fast then today ought to begin your season to stop seeking validation in people. Stop thinking about the failure and focus on the victory that God has already laid in your pathway. Believe that this is your season of possession and the God you serve is only preparing you for greater. In the very text of 2 Chronicles 20 the reader is exposed to Jahaziel, the son of Zechariah, who the bible says “has the spirit of the Lord all over him.” As Jahaziel speaks he tells King Jehoshaphat to not be afraid or discouraged about the enemies he must face. He further explicates that on tomorrow you will not even have to face your enemies; rather, you should just stand firm in your position and watch God deliver you.
I want to speak to your tomorrow moments right now. I know that someone reading this message knows that today has already shown you some level of discouragement, but what you need to know right now is that what is to come is better than what has been if you understand that in your getting away from the things of this world you are getting closer to God. Quite honestly, your tomorrow is the place of your victory! Tomorrow, is that place where you won’t have to settle for less. Tomorrow is a place of provision and overflow in a time of famine, recession, census, and healthcare debates. Tomorrow is the day that businesses will be birthed, ministries will flourish, and the called will turn from their wicked ways. Go ahead and praise God in advance for your tomorrow! (Really go ahead).
I’d love to have the opportunity to worship and minister with you during this tomorrow season. I know that God has blessed me with a word for this season and I am just asking that you would continue to partner with me to ensure that God’s message reaches the ends of the earth. Please never hesitate to reach out to me as I never hesitate to lift up my hands to God! During the entire Lenten Season my first authored book, Tell the Devil I’m Back, is availbe online for your purchase with NO shipping. Just visit, www.jarrettwashington.com and click on the Publication’s Tab and your SIGNED book will be shipped directly to you.

Have a miraculous week,

The Reverend Jarrett Britton Washington, M.Div., MACE
www.jarrettwashington.com