Intentional 21 Devotional: Day 19 - Peter Calderon

Persevering in the Waiting and the Fast

During this 21-day fast, perseverance takes on a deeper meaning. Fasting isn’t just about eating healthier food, spending less time on social media, or watching less TV—it’s about creating space to hear God more clearly. It’s about resisting comfort so we can grow in obedience. I know this isn’t easy—I’m walking this journey with you.

There are days when hunger is real, energy is low, and the days feel long. Fatigue hits like running into a brick wall, and distractions are loud. It feels like your sense of smell is amplified ten times over, and you can almost taste those In-N-Out fries and burgers as you drive by. Personally, it’s been especially difficult saying “no thank you” at work. I’m surrounded by a generous group of people who regularly bring treats, snacks, and drinks into the office. In those moments, I have to remind myself that through the waiting comes perseverance.

God’s Word assures us that growth often happens through pressure:

Romans 5:3–4 “We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”

In these difficult moments—when our bodies seem to fight back—I think about the apostle Paul. Paul teaches us that perseverance isn’t about having easy circumstances; it’s about staying faithful when things are hard.

After meeting the risen Christ, Paul faced rejection, beatings, prison, and even hunger. Yet he didn’t quit. Even while chained in prison, he continued writing, encouraging others, and trusting God. Paul reminds us:

Galatians 6:9 (NLT) “So, let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.”

Paul wrote this while actively ministering and dealing with conflict—false teachers were pressuring the churches in Galatia, causing confusion, division, and doubt about whether obedience even mattered. He wasn’t writing from a peaceful retreat. He was writing from pressure. And still, he didn’t quit. His encouragement came from lived experience: faithfulness often feels thankless before it becomes fruitful.

Think about the principle of reaping a harvest. It doesn’t happen immediately after seeds are planted—it takes time, effort, and care. In the same way, what you’re seeking to hear from God during this fast is like a seed. It must be planted and nurtured. It’s not a switch that can be flipped instantly.

This is where patience and obedience come in.

A seed grows down—developing roots—before it grows up. In the same way, we must put our heads down into Scripture and our knees down in prayer so we can grow more and more into the image of our Father, Yahweh.

REFLECTION:

What is God asking of me? What distraction has God been gently pointing out?

Think about the moments when: This fast feels hard, when hunger is loud, when fatigue sets in, when temptation feel unavoidable. These moments aren’t failures, they are opportunities. Pressure doesn’t mean God is absent, pressure is often the place where perseverance is formed and hope begins to grow (Romans 5:3-4)

Is your perseverance rooted in discipline alone, or in trust that God is doing something deeper within you? Am I staying faithful even when I don’t see immediate fruit?

PRAYER: 

Father God, 

I come before you thankful for this season of fasting and waiting. I admit that it’s not easy, our bodies are tired, our minds face daily distractions, and our patience is tested. But we trust that you are doing a deep work in us, even if we can’t see it yet. Teach us to persevere when things are uncomfortable. Quiet the noise around us so we can hear your voice. Strengthen our obedience and deepen our dependence on you. As we continue this fast, help us. To put our roots down deep in Your word and in prayer. Shape our character, renew our hope, and prepare us for the harvest You’ve promised in Your perfect timing. We surrender to you God and wait expectantly for what You are doing in and through us.

In Jesus name, Amen. – Peter Calderon