When it comes to our health, weight loss, and spiritual growth, most of us have been conditioned to believe that working harder is the only path to success. But what if the real key to transformation is not effort, but belief? In this week’s episode, we explore this profound truth: that believing harder than you work can unlock miracles that effort alone never could.

From Doing to Believing

We reflect on the story of Mary and Martha. While Martha frantically served, Mary sat peacefully at the feet of Jesus. He gently reminded Martha that only one thing is necessary. That “one thing” is belief—placing our trust and attention on Jesus above all else. It’s a powerful metaphor for those of us hustling for health breakthroughs, trying every diet, trend, or Instagram tip, while forgetting that Jesus is already near.

A Personal Turning Point

Beth shares a deeply moving story from 2020, when her 91-year-old mother was isolated in a retirement home during the pandemic. Helpless and heartbroken, she fell to her knees in prayer—and God responded with a simple but life-altering invitation: Fast and pray. Not diet. Not hustle. But spiritual fasting, offered in love for her mom. Within weeks, the doors opened for in-person visits, and the peace that followed became the seed for what would become Delay and Pray®.

Why Belief Matters More Than Willpower

Spiritual fasting doesn’t start with a food plan—it starts with belief. We often live under the weight of unexamined thoughts like “I’ll always struggle with this,” or “Fridays are for drinking.” These beliefs become internal scripts that shape our identity and sabotage our goals. But once we bring those thoughts into the light—especially into Adoration or coaching—we can rewrite them.

New thoughts, rooted in Scripture and truth, transform everything:

• “I am a person who fasts for others.”

• “With God, I can give up alcohol on Fridays.”

• “For God, all things are possible.”

This shift doesn’t just change what we eat. It changes how we live, what we prioritize, and how we see God’s work in our everyday choices.

Real Miracles, Real People

One of the most powerful stories from the episode comes from Jackie, a Catholic who returned to the Church after 25 years and found healing through spiritual fasting. Her transformation wasn’t just physical—it was emotional and spiritual. Her husband converted. Their land was protected during a hurricane. Family wounds were healed. Her story reminds us: God is not just interested in our bodies. He wants our whole hearts.

Let Belief Lead the Way

If you’re feeling stuck, exhausted by effort, and still not seeing change—pause. Ask yourself: What am I believing right now? And more importantly: What would I believe if I truly trusted that God is near?

Spiritual fasting is about more than giving up food. It’s about laying down the idols that keep us from intimacy with God—and replacing them with belief in His power to transform.

Let today be the day you stop striving and start believing. The miracle you’re praying for might be waiting on the other side of your next fast.

Help Beth reach her goal of bringing 1 Million Catholics back to the Church 

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