As a Christian, you have probably noticed and heard of people in the church talk about the famous Daniel Fast. Its popularity has not only made its way across the church, but it also picking up popularity in the digital world. As people try to figure out what to eat while being on the Daniel Fast and look up meal inspiration, many have posted ‘21-day meal plans’ and ‘Daniel Fast recipe options’ for the spiritual occasion.
Although the Daniel Fast has some great meal options that are not only healthy- but delicious- this post is going to dig deeper into what the Daniel Fast truly is and what can flourish in your life if you want to try it for yourself.
Here is what we will cover:
- What is the Daniel fast
- Where in the bible does the Daniel fast come from and what does scripture say about it
- What does it mean to go on the Daniel fast?
- Who should go on the Daniel Fast?
- And finally, what might happen after you spend a significant amount of time dedicating a fast to God.
Whether these are questions that you have asked yourself about the Daniel Fast or not- keep reading to learn how you can grow closer to God!
The Basics of Fasting
Before we dig into the specifics of the Daniel Fast, lets first take a second to cover the topic of fasting in general. As a reminder, fasting is the act of giving up food (or material things) for a certain period of time with the intention to grow closer to God. The online platform, Bible Study Tools, outlines the definition of fasting in an article titled, “What exactly is Fasting All About,” by Lauren Sanchez. Sanchez points out that fasting was mentioned in both the old and new testaments. Clearly fasting dates back from as long as humans have been around- as seen through the example of king David in the book of Psalms.
So, there is nothing new about fasting, and in many ways, it is part of our innate nature to grow in our spiritual walk.
Fasting can take on many forms which include: giving up food completely and drinking only water, giving up a specific item like your phone, or even giving up technology completely.
The idea is that while you give something up that is driven from the flesh, your spirit will open and learn more about God and your spiritual path with him. During the fasting period, praying consistently and meditating in the word are two things that go hand-in-hand. Prayer allows the person to talk to God and reading and meditating in his word, allows him to speak and direct a person’s thoughts and heart. Just as Daniel did.
The Story of Daniel
Among Christians one of the most widely known forms of fasting is the Daniel Fast. If it isn’t a little bit obvious, the Daniel fast comes from the powerful book of Daniel. To refresh your memory, the story of Daniel is a story that highlights the power of trusting in God and his will for our lives. Daniel was a Man of God that was enlisted to serve in the army, and while he was in training the chief of staff had specific diets reserved for all the soldiers. This diet was coming directly from the reigning king at the time, King Nebuchadnezzar.
However, Daniel took a stand and refused to eat what they were obligating him to consume. He knew that he did not want to go against the diet that God has set for him and defile his body. With full confidence he challenged the chief of staff to test his stamina against the other soldiers. He wanted to prove that his diet was the best option and ultimately better than king Nebuchadnezzars diet.
After the 7-day trial, they were astonished to see that out of all the soldiers he was the strongest, and the one that was able to produce the most amount of work compared to the soldiers that ate the Kings diet. Eventually Daniel went on to help king Nebuchadnezzar by interpreting his confusing dreams AND by being protected in the Lion’s den. Daniel had a gift from God that allowed him to have wisdom beyond many in the town. Even people that were seen as spiritual leaders, like the astrologers and magicians, did not come close to the knowledge Daniel had. Gods favor was over him while he was on the fast- his diet.
The Daniel Fast
Although the book of Daniel does not outrightly talk about a fast related to the food Daniel did or did not eat, his intention with his diet was to honor God. Through his diet it was his way of staying firm in his relationship with the only living God. Through the gifts that he was a witness to, Daniel was able to stay firm in his spiritual walk.
Daniel said,
Blessed be the name of the God forever and ever, To whom belong wisdom and might. He changes times and seasons; He removes kings and sets up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise And knowledge to those who have understanding;
He reveals deep and hidden things; He knows what is in the darkness, And the light dwells with him. To you, O God of my fathers, I give thanks and praise,
For you have given me wisdom and might And have now made known to me what we asked of you, For you have made known to us the king’s matter
Daniel 2: 20-23
It’s clear from the beginning of the book that Daniel honored and glorified God. He recognized his divine power above all things in creation and the ownership that he had over everything. On top of that, his relationship with God was strong through a profound sense of gratitude and praise.
Even though Daniel was not technically on a “fast” in the way that we first defined it, his dedication to the Lord through his food choices made it part of his walk with God. The godly lifestyle that Daniel lived, has inspired many believers to take on his diet as a way to grow closer in the Lord.
And let’s be real. Today, our food options are a lot more developed, sophisticated, and sometimes just outright terrible for our health. There is no arguing that there are food options that are super yummy, and sometimes we eat things that we know are not always the best for us. But we indulge anyways because we give in to what our fleshly desires and food cravings are. I personally can think of many moments where I’ve eaten more ice cream than I knew I should have. “BUT IT’S JUST SO GOOD,” is what I always think after overeating- and I’m sure we’ve all been there.
While on the Daniel fast, it consists of eating foods referenced in the book of Daniel -and more widely- foods that were approved by God to upkeep his stamina. The foods that he ate were vegetables and water while the foods from the Kings’ diet included, wine and ‘foods’ (most likely meats). Although the book does not specify which vegetables were included in Daniels diet and which foods were in the king’s diet- we can infer that they are based in what is known to be traditionally eaten in the middle east.
Many of the food list founds online include things like, legumes, fruits, nuts, seeds, and grains. So many of the things to avoid are, animal products, added sugar, yeast, refined grains, processed foods, candy, and caffeinated beverages.
Who should go on the Daniel Fast?
In the past, I’ve viewed fasting as a sacred religious practice that was reserved for people mature and steady in their walk with God. Yet it’s clear that that is not always the case. It’s not to say that fasting is not sacred and should not be taken seriously, however, there is no exclusive point of entry. Of course, fasting should always be approached from a place of sincerity and humility but the practice itself is for any believer in Christ who is ready to grow in their relationship with God. It’s that simple. No matter where you are in your walk if you are fasting from a place of true care and love for the Lord.
Even people that are just beginning their walk with God can fast. As they are fasting, their dedicated time to the Lord is what will help them grow and strengthen their faith and maturity in God.
As Jesus Said to Satan,
Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.
Matthew 4:4
Jesus does not exlude anyone in his response to satan. He affirms that MAN shall not live by bread alone. That means all of mankind. No just Christians that have been in the church for 10 years.
As children of God, of course the word of God encourages us to fast and pray to hear from God better and more clearly. Food or material items can sometimes distract us from God and what the holy spirit is prompting us to do. Just as Satan was trying to tempt Jesus as he fasted in the wilderness for 40 days, we go through seasons where we are also tempted in the spirit. When we deny our flesh and rely fully on the Holy Spirit to nurture our bodies, we can discern moments where God is clearly wanting us to act, or experience moments of breakthrough.
Related Blog posts:
Specific moments to go on the Daniel Fast
As I mentioned before, fasting is not an exclusive practice but there may be specific signs and moments in a person’s life that would be especially appropriate to sacrifice specific aspects of your life and dedicate them to the Lord. Sometimes we are truly in a situation where we can no longer change our circumstance, however, GOD can. If it is his will, God can change and help us through any situation.
The following list are specific moments in your life where you may want to seriously consider going on the Daniel fast.
If you are desiring to grow in your faith with God
You may be starting to walk in faith with God or you may be a long-time believer-but no matter how long you’ve been walking in your faith-it is normal to desire an experience with the LIVING God. Sometimes we may think that God is not showing up or we may experience doubt- but those moments come from us not truly surrendering and allowing God to guide us.
It is normal to want to continue to experience moments of reassurance of what you believe to be the truth.
Sometimes, it’s easy to fall back into the daily patterns of modern-day-life so intrusive thoughts of doubt may creep in. Fasting can strengthen your faith by witnessing and experience God first had. You will no longer rely on those fleshly things that bring you pleasure. Instead you may experience God on a personal level, while on the Daniel fast.
When you are in a waiting season
You may be waiting for something to happen or a breakthrough to take place, whether it is waiting for a job opportunity to open up, or waiting to meet your future spouse, fasting is the perfect opportunity to practice patience and faith in Gods timing. It is easy to want to take control and do things your way. The truth is, Gods timing and path for our life will always be the best option.
The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.
Proverbs 16:9
When you are seeking guidance on a decision
You may also be at a crossroads, and you must decide between two things, multiple things, and you just don’t know what to do. Fasting and focusing on the holy spirit to guide you, will allow you to know and realize what decision Is from God and which path is NOT. God allows us to experience his peace when we make a choice that is from him. A choice that comes from confusion will never be from God.
If you do this, God will direct you, you will be able to endure, and all this people also will go to their place in peace
Exodus 18: 23
After going through a drastic or difficult change
Change can be hard at times, but the great news is, we have a God that never changes and is always loyal. Whether the change you are going through was good- like getting a new- better paying job, or if the change is bad- like losing a loved one, fasting is a great way to experience the rooted foundation of the love of God. God is the only one that can truly satisfy us, and fasting is a great way to experience that spiritual richness and joy that only comes from him.
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7
If you are looking to find rest in the Lord
Life can get busy and if you are in the work force, sometimes the days can get stressful making sure that the tasks of your day-to-day are accomplished. But the Lord gives us rest and like God says in his word, “come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 God wants us to find rest in him. and truly the best rest we can ever find will only be in him.
Wanting to learn about Gods character
Maybe you’re a new believer or just someone that wants to grow in your faith- learning about God can sometimes seem like such an overwhelmingly impossible thing to do. After all, we can’t see him, and we can’t touch or feel him BUT we CAN experience him. Fasting and going on the Daniel fast is the perfect way to learn more about WHO God truly is. During fasting you will see what it is like to have a personal relationship with him. The way that we have a personal relationship with our family and friends, this is the same way we can have a relationship with God.
We can start to hear his voice, experience his convictions, and cast unto him anxieties, praise, or any other emotion. As we read in Daniel Chapter 2 above, Daniel so clearly knows the work of God, “he changes, he removes, he gives, he reveals, and he knows.” God not only knows who he is as a man, but he knows this because he knows the character of God.
When you want to Learn about Gods plan for your life
As believers in Jesus, we know that the word says to “pick up your cross and follow me”. In that process of doing things his way, and following his path, sometimes we want to know what is truly from God and what is not. Well, fasting is the perfect way to find your new identity in Christ and what Gods plan is for your life. You can start to see Gods plan for your life start to unfold and you will see a transformation happen as you let go of your past.
After you decide to go on the Daniel Fast-Now what?
Now that you are taking the leap in your walk with God you can expect more of what God promises. When we act within the will of God and his word, God is always faithful in keeping his promises. Life will NOT be perfect during the fast- in fact you might find that the opposite becomes true. You may experience temptations, trails, and many challenges, just as Jesus did while he was in the desert for 40 days.
However, after you finish the fast (for however long you do it), you may experience transformative divine occasions. This may come in the form of breakthroughs, an answer to a prayer, freedom from strongholds, a miracle, or more of the fruit of the Holy Spirit.
The most important thing to remember as you are on the fast to always consider your heart posture. God knows our intentions he cannot be fooled as to why we are seeking him out and why we are choosing to pursue holiness.
The Lord says,
“Though they fast, I will not hear their cry, and though they offer burnt offering and grain offering, I will not accept them.”
Jeremiah 14: 12
God sees who is truly following his ways and who is wanting their own will to be done with Gods help.
Instead consider Daniels heart towards the Lord and his sincerity and humility. Daniel praised the Lord because he recognized that only God was the one that was able to answer his prayer. He gave God the glory for all that he was gifted and knew that none of it came from him. So, be a person that is understanding and pure at heart as you are taking a fast to grow in your walk.
Do you want to go on the Daniel fast? We would love to hear from you.
[…] On The Daniel Fast: Experience Wonderful Signs […]