When Loving God Means Letting Go

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” — Proverbs 3:5–6 (NIV)

Hi guys! It's me. Here is a photo from a recent trip to South Africa. While in South Africa, God continued to speak to my heart about a new diet change.

There are some tests in the Christian walk that are loud and obvious—difficult seasons, spiritual battles, and life-changing decisions. But there are other tests that are quieter… the heart tests. The tests where God gently places His finger on something we love, something we enjoy, something we prefer—and asks us to surrender it.

I don’t hear many women talk about these kinds of tests, but I’ve lived through several, and each one has shaped my walk with God in profound ways. One of my earliest tests came during my single years. I was dating a minister who I was absolutely convinced was going to be my husband. He loved God. He was sincere. We prayed together, worshipped together, and even spent date nights watching sermons. I was sure God had sent me “the one.”

But then came the whisper of the Holy Spirit—the gentle, unrelenting nudge that this relationship was not God’s perfect will for my life.

Deep down I knew it. My head resisted. My heart grieved. But my spirit recognized the voice of my Father.

So, with many tears, I surrendered something good… to receive God’s absolute best. And years later, God led me to the man who is undeniably His best for me - hello Alfred Long!

That experience taught me something: My love for God is proven not only in what I say, but in what I'm willing to lay down - whew!

And now, I find myself in another heart test. A different kind—but no less significant.

This one is about food… but really friends, it’s about love.

The Heart Test Behind a Diet Change

Earlier this year I was on a prayer call where the leader asked us a simple but powerful question:

“Ask God if there is anything He wants you to sacrifice this year to make more room for Him.”

Before I could filter it, before I could negotiate, before I could pretend I didn’t hear Him… I responded:

“Chicken.”

Yes. Chicken.

While other women mentioned social media, shopping, gossip, phone time—I felt the Holy Spirit say, “Put chicken on the altar.” 

Not because chicken is sinful.

Not because God wants to burden me with rules.

But because God knows the subtle places where idols hide. He knows where comfort has replaced Him. He knows the quiet dependencies I form when I'm stressed, overwhelmed, or even celebrating the good things in my life.

In past years God had already led me to give up beef and pork. Chicken was my last “comfort meat,” the meat I reached for almost without thinking. And so, out of obedience, I surrendered it.

And for a year, I’ve been eating fish. But now, as I seek God for the year ahead, I feel another nudge… another invitation to surrender:

“Prepare to become vegetarian.”

Everything in my background screams this is crazy!

I've been pescatarian this year but things are going to change. I'm trusting God. I know He will give me strength. Pictured: A meal enjoyed in South Africa of prawns, chips (fries), calimari and rice

I grew up in a house where we bought half a cow and kept extra freezers full of meat. In college, a friend nicknamed me “Carnivore.” I ate vegetables only when they were heavily salted and pan fried.

Yet here I am—led by the Holy Spirit to walk into a diet that once felt impossible.

And I know this isn’t really about vegetables. This is about my heart.

It’s about obedience.

It’s about removing idols.

It’s about trusting God even when it goes against my preferences, culture, habits, or history.

God knows the call on my life. He knows the assignments ahead of me. He knows the physical, emotional, and spiritual strength I will need. And He knows that for where I’m going, I must learn to run to Him for comfort—not a plate of food.

This Isn’t About Legalism—It’s About Love

I want to be clear: This isn’t about creating rules. This isn’t about earning God's love. This isn’t about judging anyone’s diet.

This is about obedience.

This is about surrender.

This is about trust.

It’s about saying, “God, You are my priority. Even above my flesh Even above my family background. Even above what feels easy.”

It’s about recognizing that God speaks to us about every area of our lives—even the areas that seem small or ordinary. And when He speaks, He gives grace to obey.

I cannot do this without the Holy Spirit. I don’t want to do this in my own strength. This must be a work of God—transforming my mind and renewing my heart so I can say “yes” to Him, joyfully and fully.

What Is God Asking You to Lay on the Altar?

Maybe it’s not food for you.

Perhaps God is asking you to let go of a habit…A form of entertainment…A relationship…A way of coping…A dream…A preference…A comfort…

Whatever it is, I want to encourage you:

If God is asking you to release something, it’s because He has something better prepared for you.

Obedience is never loss—it is always gain. Surrender is never punishment—it is always protection. Letting go is never random—it is always for your good.

Friend, God is after your heart. And when He calls you to surrender something, it is because He wants to bless you, mature you, strengthen you, and draw you closer to Himself. This is why I am sharing my journey. Not to convince anyone to adopt a vegetarian diet. But to give language to the quiet places where God speaks……and to encourage you to say yes when He does.

Please pray for me as I walk this out—and know that I am praying for you, too.

Hi, my name is Kacie Starr Long. I am an author, and speaker and I love to use my voice to point people to Jesus. When I'm not writing, I'm either hanging out with my husband or sewing. God delivered me from food addiction and I have a sewing business and ministry, called the Sew Hope Community Sewing Room. I am the proud wife of Alfred T. Long, Sr and together we lead a non-profit that serves prisoners and their families. Connect with me at www.InspiredOverflow.com and via my YouTube page for Christian teachings and encouragement.

Yes, I wrote a book called Loving God More Than Food. It's a great read if you know God is calling you to love HIM more than food. Purchase on Amazon.