WHY THE DANIEL FAST

I’m often asked why I partake in fasting, more specifically the Daniel Fast. It can be seen as an old tradition, as a religious thing, even as another “crash diet”. They ask perhaps because it’s foreign to them, or because there should be a special purpose for it, or because they think I’m doing it purely for the weight loss benefit of eating strict sugar-free vegan for 3 weeks, having only water to drink and food from seed to eat. Perhaps they ask because their Spirit also yearns for clarity, for an answer to bondage, for a greater relationship with their Lord, or for a greater purpose for their life.

It all comes down to the fact that I fast because I am meant to. I fast because I feel it deep down in my spirit. Not just because of a specific holiday or tradition, for cleansing, or for weight loss, but for even a greater purpose. I feel this deep-seeded desire to know my Savior more than anything else in this world. I have felt a call to fast, to deny my flesh, to conquer burdens and bondage that I have suffered unnecessarily for so long. The bible says “when” we fast not “if” we fast… it is meant to be a way of life.

Thus, 2-3 times a year since 2009, with prayer and fasting, I dedicate a few weeks to the Lord. I deny my flesh, I sharpen my focus on Him. I spend time with my Father who yearns to spend time with me. I cleanse my body, and experience a great awakening in my heart and mind.

Many fasts will have the same benefit… but out of personal choice, I choose the Daniel Fast. I choose the Daniel Fast because it suggests a great length of time… because it encourages me to deny my flesh and eat no pleasure food… because of its health benefits, and how it raises my awareness of healthy eating… and because Daniel was an amazing man of God.

For those interested in partaking in a Daniel Fast and would like more info or encouragement, please contact me, or check out the Daniel Fast Blogger. Susan Gregory wrote an amazing book that helped me during my first couple of Daniel Fasts – it has an amazing 21 day devotional along with great recipes to help get you through the 3 weeks. I have since passed this book on to a few friends, and it has benefited them the same as it benefited me.

Be Blessed, Fast often, Love much, 
A Daughter’s Prayer

Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?
Isaiah 58:6