Dieting or Fasting? 

It’s that time a year again and everyone is focused on New Year’s resolutions. The most common resolutions are usually about health and fitness. You see it everywhere right. I like to diet the first of the year to help me lose all the unwanted weight I have gained around the holidays. However, this year I am choosing to Fast. You might ask well what is the difference? Well, fasting is a way to get closer to God. 

 I would say sometime around the end of November! I prayed and asked God to draw me close to Him. I was feeling like I was in a dry spell. I recently moved away from my hometown and my job had me working all these crazy retail hours so I was unable to really find a church home. I would watch internet church, but it really wasn’t the same. I hated feeling the disconnection. I know God was with me, I just couldn’t feel it. So I prayed and said God put a stronger desire in me to seek your face. I want a hunger and thirst for your spirit like never before. I want to feel your presence. 

All I can say is ever since that prayer, I have never felt the same. I have been consistent in my goals to pray and read my bible. On my lunch breaks I worship him, when I get home from work I worship him. It has been awesome. 

I bought a book called “Fasting” by Jentezen Franklin. He says fasting is “opening the door to a deeper, more intimate, more powerful relationship with God”. Jesus said it like this,”But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you“. Matthew 6:17-18.  

So dieting has its benefits, but fasting brings about a reward! I want everything God has for me in this season.  I feel like Jacob when he told God, I won’t let go until you bless my soul! Thank you Lord for hearing my prayer. I’m ready for 2016! I’m expecting the unexpected! Let’s Go!

Jessica Briel