Why God Might Not Want You to Give Up Chocolate for Lent

Lent has started, and I’m still figuring it out.

Growing up, we practiced Lent. We fasted, we didn’t eat meat on Fridays, and on Good Friday, we couldn’t eat or drink before noon. But back then, I wasn’t thinking about preparing my heart for Easter. I was just following what we did every year, making sure I didn’t get caught sneaking a snack before noon.

Now, as an adult, I understand Lent isn’t just about what’s on my plate—it’s about what’s in my heart.

For years, I thought Lent was just “Pick a struggle for 40 days”, and every year, I went through the same routine:

• Sweets? But what about my coffee creamer?
• Social media? But I run a business online!
• Meat? (Listen, I’m a carnivore—I eat meat a lot. So this one hits different.)
• Alcohol? But I hang out with my crew!
• Coffee? (Whew, this one’s personal. I have coffee every morning—something I picked up from my grandmother.)

So I’d sit there stressing over what to give up like it was a multiple-choice test I forgot to study for. Until one day, I realized—why am I the one deciding?

Instead of picking something just to say I sacrificed, I finally prayed about it. I asked God, “What do YOU want me to release?”

When I finally stopped guessing and started listening, I realized that sometimes, God isn’t asking me to give up things. He’s asking me to let go of doubt—the little voice that makes me second-guess myself. Fear—the hesitation that keeps me from stepping boldly in faith. Control—the need to have everything figured out instead of trusting Him. Comparison—measuring myself against people who aren’t even running my race.

And yes, sometimes He does ask me to let go of something tangible—because He knows how much I rely on it.

That reminded me of something Jesus said about fasting—how it’s not supposed to be a public display, but something between me and God (Matthew 6:16-18). Basically, it’s not about proving how strong I am—it’s about making room for Him.

Lent isn’t just about what we stop doing—it’s also about what we start doing. Fasting from fear? Start stepping into bold faith. Fasting from distractions? Start spending focused time with God. Fasting from negativity? Start speaking life over myself and others.

Most of the time, when people talk about Lent, they focus on what they’re giving up. But I want to focus on what I’m making room for—more time in prayer, more intentionality in my faith, more stillness to hear from God, more discipline in speaking life instead of doubt.

If I’m going to be hungry for something during this season, I want it to be for more of Him.

I used to think Lent was about willpower—like if I could white-knuckle my way through 40 days without coffee, I’d win some kind of spiritual trophy.

But now, I see it differently. Lent isn’t a performance—it’s an invitation.

An invitation to shift my focus from myself to God. To let go of what’s keeping me stuck. To create space for Him to work in ways I never expected.

So if you’ve ever struggled with what to give up, or you’ve felt like you’re just going through the motions, you’re not alone.

Maybe this year, instead of deciding for yourself, you ask God what He wants you to release. Who knows? He might just surprise you.

What’s one thing God is putting on your heart this Lent? Let’s talk in the comments—I’d love to hear how you’re walking through this season.