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Breaking The Chains Of Instant Gratification (Impact Hard Devotional: Day 66)

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Fasting & Hungering for God

Breaking The Chains Of Instant Gratification

“When you fast, do not be somber like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that your fasting will not be obvious to men, but only to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

Matthew 6:16–18

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Our entire consumer market is driven by the carnal urge to gratify self… instantly.

Instant gratification in our Food: Microwaves, drive thru windows, door dash, and vending machines to make sure that every craving gets satisfied within minutes.

Instant gratification in our Entertainment: Boredom has been eliminated with constant and instant access to streaming platforms, short videos, online games, and social media feeds.

Instant gratification in our Sexual Desires: Pornography is a click away, strip clubs, prostitutes, and other forms of sexual encounters at our fingertips. (Sex robots will soon be a real problem too).

Instant gratification in Shopping and Services: See it, click it, and have it on your door step within hours. Every service you can imagine is now available within minutes via an app or delivery service.

Instant gratification in our Spiritual Wellbeing: Feel down, play a feel good worship song. Need answers, download two sermons and a podcast. If your church can’t make you feel better about yourself, your life, or your choices, find another one that will.

Is it any wonder that fasting is absolutely the last thing that any Christian wants to do? Unless, of course, you are focused on getting the instant gratification of impressing other Christians with your piety. Jesus implies that fasting is not optional for Christians… “When you fast” sounds like an expectation, not an exception.

The question is not, “Should I fast?”, but “How should I fast?”

Jesus offers two approaches to fasting- One that brings glory and attention to yourself and the other will change your life forever. Fasting for the praise of others is simply another form of self-indulgence and instant gratification. You get an immediate little buzz of self-righteousness, but no lasting change. Fasting for the glory of God (in secret) gets you nothing at first… there doesn’t seem to be any reward, hit, dopamine drop, or emotional high associated with fasting whatsoever. That’s the point. The reward requires you to break the chains of instant gratification so you can drink from the well of living water. Fasting is the only thing in this life you can choose to do that will make you acutely aware of what it means to hunger and thirst for righteousness.

Would you be willing to try fasting?

Reflection: (Don’t skip this!)

What do I need to know?
How do I need to grow?
Where does this need to show up in my life?

Take the challenge, step up to the task, and watch God transform your life, your relationships and your legacy over the next 75 days in God’s Word.

Join the IMPACT Hard 75 Day Challenge!

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To Equip & Encourage

Breaking The Chains Of Instant Gratification (Impact Hard Devotional: Day 66)

Breaking The Chains Of Instant Gratification

IMPACT HARD | 75 Day Devotional for Men | © 2026

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