1. Daniel set his heart to fast
Often, our lives, ministry needs, burden for people, and spiritual unrest motivate us to find a place of solitude in order to connect with God. Our heart desires to find a quiet place and be alone with our Father for an extended period of time. Sadly, our fast-paced lives make it hard to escape into solitude or take a full fast for a week or more. The Daniel Fast, or partial fast, can be a good solution to this need.
2. Daniel’s fast lasted 21 days
Our desire is for us to start the new year in unity with 21 days of fasting. Of course, in the future we can use it 2 times a year for 21 days, or we will take partial fasts once a month for 10 days, perhaps we will be encouraged to take a partial fast for 40 days, following the example of Moses and Jesus.
Given the cultural context, we begin the Daniel Fast on January 10th when all the holidays are over. This is the time when everyone is already free from all holidays. At the beginning of the year, it is very important for us to see and understand God’s will and His plans and purposes for us, our families, churches, ministry teams, businesses, for our cities and countries for the upcoming new year. This is the time for a major spiritual breakthrough in our lives and our region.
3. Daniel fasted to gain understanding
Daniel could not put together all the puzzle pieces of God’s plan for the Israelites. He studied the prophecies of Jeremiah, knew the Scriptures, but he wanted to accurately understand God’s full plan, which concerned not only his time, but also the future. This fast is not just about our personal needs, it is a fast to understand His word to us, His will and direction.
4. Daniel humbled himself before God
He did not eat tasty bread or meat, and wine did not enter his mouth, and he did not anoint himself with ointments during his fast. When we fast we humble our flesh and will. “Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church.” (Colossians 1:24)
5. During the fast, Daniel succeeded and increased his spiritual vigilance
Fasting is not just giving up something, but it is a special time with God. Daniel prayed at least three times every day. During the fast, he had special prayers, a special immersion in the word of God. The advantage of Daniel fasting and partial fasting in general is that it puts us in a position of spiritual vigilance. This is a very healthy and good feeling.
