Every January for the past six years, I’ve held an online Daniel Fast through my website. And every year, God has moved in mighty ways. This past January was no exception.
Nearly 4,300 believers participated in the January 2017 Online Daniel Fast, which was held January 1-21. Our theme for the fast was, “Revive Us Again.” Men and women from around the world set aside the first three weeks of the year to focus on the Lord. Together, we cried out to God for revival – in our personal lives, our families, our churches, our communities, and our nations. In addition, nearly 300 people committed to take a small group through the fast and signed up to be a team leader.
Everyone who registered for the fast received weekly emails of encouragement and support. The emails provided helpful resources, such as Daniel Fast friendly recipes. I also sent out daily videos for the entire fast with the assistance of my wonderful co-host and husband, Justin (you can view the videos on my YouTube channel). Through the videos, we explored God’s prescription for revival as spelled out 2 Chronicles 7:14:
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
What a privilege it was to partner with such an army of prayer warriors in seeking the Lord! Following are just a few testimonies of how the Lord worked:
“The fast was an awesome experience for my wife and me.” – Corey
“I want you to know how much I appreciated your videos every day. They were so helpful and certainly kept me encouraged. Also, I ordered your book, The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast. All the meals I have made have been delicious. Your recipes are fantastic! I will be changing my eating patterns after the fast and use your recipes all year long.” – Debbie
“This was the first time I’ve done a Daniel fast since being a Christian (11 years). I’m so glad I embarked on it. Your website was a tremendous support.” – Mary
“I’ve attempted this type of prayer and fasting on my own but would always fail. When others are doing it with you, you are strengthened.” – Dorene
“My husband and I have grown so close through the fast. Seems like we’re on our honeymoon after 36 years!” – Pam
“Thanks for a great 21 days of leading us with encouragement to persevere!” – Roger
“This was my second Daniel Fast. I relied on your book, The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast, and emails for information and encouragement. I’m so amazed at the power of fasting and prayer together! Thank you so much for all your help.” – Rhonda
“I made it 21 days. When I was weak, the Lord gave me strength to continue. God also intervened in my cousin’s life. He got hit by a car and suffered a broken femur. But the miracle is that he’s alive!” – Brenda
“I’ve always struggled with fasting. I would find that I was tired and not very effective in prayer. I wasn’t sure how I would cope on this fast. But I was amazed how the gift of self-control grew in me as I prepared my children’s meals. I wasn’t even tempted to try!” – Suzanne
“I couldn’t have entered 2017 in a better way. I stand in awe of what God has done in my life and what He is still going to do for all of us who have endured the fast.” – Lauren
If you missed being a part of the January 2017 Online Daniel Fast, be sure to sign up for my Ultimate Daniel Fast monthly newsletter to stay informed about future fasting events.
Thanks for allowing the Daniel Fast Group to partner with you during the 21 days of fasting. We were honored and humbled that you even agreed to join us. And you answered questions on the Group Page as well! We Love you and Appreciate you! May God continue to bless you and your family. And tell your hubby I said Hi. 🙂
Mother Karen Serene Dunston-Carr
Philadelphia, PA
Karen, thank you so much for your comments! You, my friend, were such a blessing to me on the fast. I love how you mobilized hundreds of ladies to participate. God has used your group mightily for His kingdom! I’m so thankful we were able to partner in prayer and fasting. May God continue to guide you and pour out His favor on your life. And I will definitely tell Justin you said hello! 🙂
Can you have whole grain crackers or chips?
Hi! You may have BAKED whole grain crackers and/or chips, provided that they don’t contain any other ingredients that are restricted (such as cheese!). Thanks for your question! May God bless you as you seek Him!
It there any such chip ? I would love to sign up for the fast. I did the fast with Franklin from Georgia. I’m interested in getting info from you. I like to start my fast Jan 1 when u do. Plz send me in the direction I can get emails from u
Yes, there are a few types you can have. Baked Tostitos is one. Baked Triscuits is another. You can sign up for my newsletter to receive information on future fasts. Here’s the link: https://secure.campaigner.com/CSB/Public/Form.aspx?fid=1055851.
My daughter did the fast for the first time and she went in praying something special for herself, but instead she received an answer of she didn’t get accepted into the program because her schooling was too old. She was in medical school but she became ill in her third year that my husband advised her to quit. It took her 7 or 8 years to heal with $400,000 debt from medical school. Now she trying to recover from this crises. She decided to go to be PA program to recover and to start paying back this house that she have never owed. The dean of medical schools was her to come back. She can’t afford to go back. She is very frustrated with doing the fast. God said he would never leave us nor forsake us. What am i to say to her to encourage her?
Hi, Char! Sometimes when we pray, we already have in mind what we’d like to see happen, and we want God to fall in line with our plans. Then when things take a different turn, we are confused. And sometimes angry. It’s easy to get discouraged and wonder if our praying and fasting made any difference at all. BUT, we must remember the truth of God’s Word. First, God has plans for your daughter, plans to prosper her and not to harm her, plans to give her a hope and a future (Jer. 29:11). Your daughter sought the Lord through prayer. She fasted and asked God to direct her steps. And He did! He answered! Maybe it wasn’t the answer she was expecting, but she must trust that He knows best. She must remember that His plans for her are good. Second, another verse that you can share with her is Proverbs 19:21, which says, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.” Many times are heart’s desires don’t line up with God’s purposes. When they don’t, we must give up our desires and lay them on the altar. We must submit to God’s purposes for us. Finally, another verse, which is Psalm 37:23. “The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.” If your daughter continues to seek God through prayer, she will find direction from the Lord. He will be faithful to lead her in the direction she should go.
For the potato soup can I use cream of celery
Hi, Marie! Thanks for your question. Unfortunately, a can of cream of celery is not Daniel Fast friendly. If you check the ingredients on the can, you’ll find several foods that aren’t allowed on the fast.
I lead a group of intercessors and this was our second year using your info. Last year we used the website, this year we purchased the book and went from 1/2-1-23. We prayed for the same things and have seen GOD move. I preached a sermon on the Monday we ended the fast and GOD moved through me. It is not possible to be an effective Christian without fasting! Thank you so much for the great info and recipes. I will be purchasing 10 copies in the coming weeks to get another copy because i gave mine away and to sow into people’s lives. Many blessings to you and the mandate on your life. Your tent pegs have been enlarged, walk into your territory.
Wow! Crystal, your comments have blessed and encouraged me! Praise God for all He has done in and through your group. I’m so thankful for your partnership in prayer! May the Lord continue to strengthen you as you seek Him in 2017. 🙂