People choose to participate in the Daniel Fast for various reasons. Sometimes they need direction, such as when facing a major life decision. They cry out to God for emotional or physical healing. They seek the Lord’s favor in a particular situation.
But many times, it’s desperation that drives people to do the Daniel Fast. A wife fasts for her husband’s salvation. Parents fast for their wayward child. A newly saved meth addict fasts for freedom from dependence upon drugs.
Someone who is desperate has an urgent need and often has little or no hope. Does that sound like you? Do you feel like you’re drowning in despair? If so, take heart. God cares for you. He does see your pain, and He isn’t distant or disengaged.
The Daniel Fast helps you to focus on the Lord and His truth instead of on your circumstances. As you commit yourself to prayer, you take your eyes off yourself and put them onto your God. As you anchor yourself in the Word, you become faith-filled instead of fearful. Joyful instead of tearful. Encouraged rather than discouraged.
How do I know? Because I’ve experienced these transformations myself various times. I’ve seen God take my poor, pitiful self and breathe life into me when I felt hopeless, useless, powerless, and empty. I know He can and will do the same for you.
The Bible is clear that fasting is powerful and supernatural. In Mark 9, a father brought his demon-possessed son to the disciples, but they were unable to drive out the evil spirit. When Jesus came upon the scene, he rebuked the evil spirit, and the boy was set free. Later, in private, the disciples asked Jesus why they weren’t able to heal the boy. Jesus responded, “This kind can come out only by prayer and fasting” (Mark 9:29).
If you’re facing what seems like an impossible situation, fast and pray.
If your marriage is in turmoil, fast and pray.
If you’re stuck in a spiritual rut and need a fresh touch from the Lord, fast and pray.
If you’re desperate to hear from the Lord, then the Daniel Fast may be just what you need right now.
[For more information on the Daniel Fast, get my book, The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast.]
I will like to do a fast, but I take meds, and I am concern it will effect my health. Do I have to do a 21 day fast? Also, do I need to cut my moring coffe? I am a preschool teacher I am so use to having it daily.
Maria, you can make your fast any length you want. The Daniel Fast is based on the prophet Daniel’s experience when he did a three-week fast. But you’re free to fast as the Lord leads. And, yes, if you do the Daniel Fast and follow the food guidelines, you’ll need to abstain from coffee. You can do it! 🙂