I once fasted from just one food item I loved, like candy, for Lent. However, I quickly found something else to eat instead of candy. When I put more effort into my fasting, I noticed weight loss because I ate less. As I matured in faith, I understood that fasting was more than giving something up. True fasting is giving something up to draw closer to God.

Last year, I realized my speech was my hurtful to God. I fasted from gossip and saw I needed to use my words to build others up. Eating clean for me is easier when I don’t snack. So this year, I will fast from snacking.

Joel 2:12 is, “…the Lord says, ‘Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning.'” (Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 2015). God wants me to turn to Him and come closer with fasting. I give up the instant gratification of grabbing food the second I feel hungry to focus on God. He will give me enough strength to function until my next meal. After these 40 days are up, I might decide I can live without snacking as much as I do. Fasting from snacking this Lent will help me grow closer to God.

Note: I will take a break from writing a weekly post next week. My next blog post will be on March 20, 2019.