Intentional 21Devotional: Day 2 - Greg Hendricks

Fasting that Forms 

Disciplined for Destiny 

One of the things that God is highlighting for His people in 2026 is the understanding of having  discipline in your maturity as a follower of Christ. He is calling His followers to have a deeper  desire to be disciplined in living a life transformed by Him. The greatest evidence of a life being  transformed is not one with a bunch of theological information or vernacular, but one that is  reflecting an internal and external transformation. Based upon the one, that information is aligning with-Jesus. 

Having divine disciplines is apart of our maturity as followers of Christ. Disciplines such as  prayer, community, serving and fasting are just a few examples that God may be trying to grow  in us. When God calls for more discipline in our lives, He is not being harsh—it is God being  holy with us. It is not rejection; it is refinement. Not punishment, but proof that He loves us enough to shape us and not leave us where we are. 

There are moments when obedience feels heavy and discipline feels uncomfortable. When  fasting stretches our flesh and exposes what usually stays hidden. In those moments, it is easy to  wonder if the discomfort means something is wrong with us, or if we will get through. But  Scripture tells us the opposite: 

“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of  righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” 

— Hebrews 12:11 (NIV) 

Consistent Godly discipline always has a destination. God is never trying to break you—He is  training you. What feels painful now is forming peace later. What feels restrictive today is  protective for tomorrow. God is pleased in our efforts to become more disciplined in following  Him. He responds in love because of our faith to do so. How we know this is because He refuses  to leave our potential undeveloped in Him. 

As you walk and mature through this 21-day fast, recognize what this season truly is: divine  alignment. God is recalibrating your desires, strengthening your spirit, and retraining your  responses. Discipline is not about what you’re giving up—it’s about what God is building up  within you. 

Remember these truths to hold onto:

• Divine discipline is proof you’re being prepared, not punished. 

• God trains before…. He entrusts. 

• What God corrects….He also covers. 

• Discipline today…. protects destiny tomorrow. 

Training implies intentionality. God is not reacting to your mistakes; He is shaping your  maturity. Every “no” you say to the flesh is a “yes” to the Spirit. Every moment of surrender  deepens your capacity to carry what God is about to release in your life. 

And when discipline feels heavy, remember this promise cemented in God’s word: 

“Because the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastens everyone He accepts as His  son.” 

— Hebrews 12:6 (NIV) 

You are not being pushed away or punished—you are being drawn closer. Divine discipline is  evidence of belonging. God corrects His sons and daughters because He is committed to our growth for His glory. 

So stay faithful, disciplined and focused during this time of fasting. Embrace the process of  growth, even if it is uncomfortable. Let God train you without resisting Him. The harvest is  already forming beneath the soil of your sacrifice. 

Peace is coming. Clarity is cultivating. Righteousness is growing. 

And loving Him, is giving you the grace to do the work. 

In Jesus Name, 

Amen. 

G- Hendricks

Engagement (Journal while spending time with God)

Ask Holy Spirit in Prayer: 

• God what are you training in me during this fast? 

• Lord what are you forming beneath the surface that I can’t yet see?

• Is there anything that I’m allowing in my life, that is preventing growth towards you? 

Write one sentence to finish today- Try it daily with your fast. 

“God, I trust that my desire to deepen my discipline for you is shaping me  for________________________.” 

God Bless your day and may His grace be upon your journey!