The Daniel Fast

I will start off by saying that I have never fasted before. I did not know how close I would get to Christ, but I wanted our relationship to build and become stronger. I purchased a book written by Susan Gregory on The Daniel Fast (I highly recommend reading this book prior to beginning the fast or any other book on the fast). The Daniel Fast is very strict and lasts normally for 21 days (I did mine for 17 due to a vacation to Mexico). During the book of Daniel you learn that he had tensions over the differences between Babylonian customs and his Jewish ways and it had to do with food. Daniel refused to defile the body with meat and wine that had been dedicated to the Babylonian false gods. Daniel and his companions entered a partial fast where they restricted food for a spiritual purpose so they could remain true to their God. Daniel was determined to live for God in enemy territory (sounds a lot like times today). During the Daniel Fast you can have:
1. Vegetables
2. Fruit
3. Whole Grains
4. Water
5. Nuts / Seeds

You CANNOT have meat, dairy, sugars, or any sorts of processed foods. You have three meals a day and two snacks. Every morning I would wake up and begin by reading my Bible and daily devotion. I read the entire book of Daniel then read a chapter a day from Proverbs. At night I would read Stormie O’Martian’s book, The Power of a Praying Woman (which I highly recommend!). During my fast I focused on forgiveness and I can say that it was so peaceful to get lost in the word and talk to God multiple times a day. A part from my relationship growing tremendously with the Lord, I found out how to read ingredient labels better and cook wholesome nutritious food. I found that by prepping my food on Sunday helped tremendously throughout the week to grab nutritious things to snack on. I lost ten pounds, had clearer skin, more energy, and I slept better at night.

Doing the Daniel Fast is not easy, and at the time I was in my last weeks of my bachelor’s degree program and starting a new job. It was not convenient for me to start the fast when I did, but I also know that it was not easy or convenient for Jesus to die on the cross. I have battled with many ups and downs living in Ohio, mainly being so far from my family, friends, and southern hospitality. But I know God has me here for a reason. I have met some wonderful people here and doing the fast brought me peace and patience for God’s timing. It is not always easy to trust in God’s plan, but ultimately it is the BEST plan for you. The power of fasting has less to do with food than with setting yourself apart for a specific period of time to focus on the Lord, prayer, and worship. I am already looking forward to doing my next fast and continuing to grow spiritually in my walk with the Christ.