I’ve heard a lot of confusion since we said we were going to do a “Daniel Fast” of 21 days.  Here’s my attempt to clear up any confusion.

Where does the term Daniel Fast come from?

It comes from the book of Daniel where in chapter 10 he mourned for three weeks while eating no “choice food, no meat or wine”.  What people have decided from this is that there is a type of fast where you abstain from certain foods, but not all.  What I have said is that it can be a giving up of sweets (choice food) and meats during the 21 days.  This is what I am personally doing.

It seems there are many books authored around this topic that include recipes and interpretations on the Daniel fast.

What can I eat?

You can eat anything but meat and sweets according to some.  The extreme viewpoint is that you must also eliminate all processed foods.  I don’t think Daniel had to worry about processed foods?

Here’s my main thing in fasting:

It should be a giving up of something that means a sacrifice to show God you want Him more than anything else in life.  Fasting is all about making more room for God in your life for a designated period of time.  We have chosen a 21 day fast to give ample time for God to move in our lives.

Options:

Some of you may want to give up meat and sweets like me.

Some may want to give up one of the two

Others may want to give up something entirely different

Again, the main thing is to make room for God to speak, move and have His way in your life.

Don’t become a Pharisee over it!

Jesus said the Pharisees were so concerned about every little thing that they missed out on the big thing – Jesus Himself!!  Oh, they had their fasting down, and religious days and even memorization of the law, but they were lousy at living the life Jesus came to give.

Jump in.  Do something these first 21 days of the New Year.  Declare a fast and watch God move in your life.  Let God give you more of life to the full!

Feel free to share your experience and comments right here on this blog.