Sunday Sermon: Breaking Free Week 3 – Final Stretch
by Minister Denise N. Fyffe
Brothers and sisters, as I came to the final week of my Facebook fast, in 2014, I can confidently say that it was one of the most revealing and challenging spiritual exercises I’ve undertaken. When I first started, I thought I could easily power through it but let me tell you—that fast was no joke. It reminded me of just how human I am, how prone to falling short, and how deeply rooted some of these modern-day idols, like social media, can become in our lives.
Week 3: The Struggle Continues
In Week 3, I slipped up before the day even ended. There I was, once again giving in to the lure of Facebook. The pull was so strong that, despite my commitment, I found myself clicking on the app, almost out of sheer habit. It was disheartening, to say the least. But God, in His loving and convicting way, prompted me to extend the fast and give Him back the days that I had not held out. Romans 3:23 (KJV) says, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” I knew I had fallen short, but I also knew that God’s grace was greater than my weakness.
So, I sighed, squirmed, and prayed for more grace and mercy, knowing that my Lord and Savior was asking me to push a little further. This experience was teaching me more than just discipline; it was showing me how necessary this sacrifice was. Facebook had clearly become an idol in my life, taking away precious time that should have been spent in God’s presence.
The Battle Against Idolatry
What Week 3 revealed to me, above all, was the depth of my dependence on social media. It wasn’t just a platform for entertainment or keeping in touch with friends—it had become a distraction, an idol. 1 Corinthians 10:14 (KJV) warns us, “Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.” God demands that we put away all forms of idolatry, and while I may not live in the same biblical times as those who worshipped golden calves, the spirit of idolatry is just as alive today in the form of our phones, social media, and the things we place above God.
I found myself reflecting on the seriousness of this. I wondered, if I didn’t let go of this dependency, would I face God’s discipline? We serve a loving God, yes, but He is also just. And while I don’t expect fire, brimstone, or lightning from heaven, I do know that God disciplines those He loves, as stated in Hebrews 12:6 (KJV): “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.”
So, I prayed for forgiveness and asked God to help me remain focused on Him.
Pressing Toward the Mark
Even though I stumbled, my primary goal for 2014 was and still is to “press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14, KJV). I wanted to finish the year strong.
Philippians 3:13 (KJV) reminds us, “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before.” I knew I couldn’t dwell on my mistakes, but instead, I needed to keep moving forward, keeping my eyes on Jesus.
One thing I was learning from Chip Ingram’s teachings is that “many start well, but few finish well.” I was determined not to let my slip-ups define me but instead use them as opportunities to grow. God doesn’t call us to perfection, but He does call us to obedience and faithfulness. And even though I had stumbled, I knew that with God’s help, I would finish this fast and grow stronger in my walk with Him.
Inspiring Others
One of the beautiful things that happened during that fast is that it didn’t just impact me—it began to inspire others. My sister, decided to start her own social media fast after seeing my commitment. She reached out to me, asking for guidance on whether she should give up all social media or just specific platforms like WhatsApp or Facebook.
I told her that, for me, Facebook was the main issue. But each of us has our own areas of struggle—whether it’s Facebook, Twitter, or even texting on our phones. Hebrews 12:1 (KJV) says, “Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.”
If social media, or anything else, is the first and last thing you reach for in the mornings and at night, then maybe it’s time to reevaluate what has taken priority in your life. For me, this fast was a wake-up call. It reminded me that I needed to give God the first and last moments of my day, not my smartphone.
Conclusion: The Journey Continues
As I closed out the fast in the final week, I knew that the journey didn’t end there. The lessons I learned during that time—about idolatry, discipline, and seeking God first—are lessons I will carry with me beyond. That fast opened my eyes to the areas of my life where I needed to remain vigilant, and it also reminded me that God is always ready to extend grace when we fall.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by distractions in your life, whether it’s social media, work, or anything else, I encourage you to take a break and spend that time with God. Matthew 6:33 (KJV) says, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” It’s easy to get caught up in the things of this world, but when we put God first, everything else falls into place.
Closing Prayer
Let us pray.
Heavenly Father, we come before You, acknowledging the distractions that have taken our attention away from You. Lord, forgive us for the times we have placed other things before You. Help us to break free from the idols in our lives and to seek You first in all that we do. Thank You for Your grace and for Your patience with us as we strive to grow closer to You. Give us the strength to finish well, to press toward the mark, and to honor You in all areas of our lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Blessing
May the Lord bless you and keep you. May He give you the strength to press on in your journey, no matter the distractions or obstacles. May you finish well, running the race set before you with endurance and grace.
Amen.
I hope you find today’s sermon helpful and applicable to your life. I pray that the Word of God works effectively in your life.
Be encouraged and stay blessed.
The Invitation
I invite you today to take a deep look at yourself and reflect on your life. Are you searching for something more? Are you satisfied with how things are today? Is God calling you to confess your sins, be baptized and accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? Have you been ignoring him? Have you been facing immense hardships and challenges? What can you do to take the first step?
Trust God to help you with that first step.
Be encouraged.
Be bold.
Click here to understand how to Answer the Call or answer the Altar Call.
It shall be well with you, in Jesus mighty name.
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About the writer:
Minister Denise N. Fyffe is a devoted Christian, author, and servant of God, whose life is guided by her faith and values. Since accepting Jesus Christ at a young age, she has made it her mission to share her journey. She also shares her knowledge of the Bible with others. Besides her passion for writing, Minister Fyffe is actively involved in outreach, Christian mentorship, and ministering the Word of God.
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