I’m officially beginning the Daniel Fast on Sunday. If you’re not familiar (and I wasn’t until about a week ago), here’s what I’ll be eating.
The Daniel Fast Food List
- All fruit – fresh, frozen, dried, juiced, or canned.
- All vegetables – fresh, frozen, dried, juiced, or canned.
- All whole grains – amaranth, barley, brown rice, oats, quinoa, millet, and whole wheat.
- All nuts & seeds – almonds, cashews, macadamia nuts, peanuts, pecans, pine nuts, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, and sunflower seeds; unsweetened almond milk. Nut butters are also included.
- All legumes – canned or dried; black beans, black eyed peas, cannellini beans, garbanzo beans (chickpeas), great northern beans, kidney beans, lentils, pinto beans, and split peas.
- All quality oils – avocado, coconut, grapeseed, olive, peanut, sesame, and walnut.
- Beverages – distilled water, filtered water, and spring water.
Other – unsweetened almond milk, coconut milk, rice milk, or soy milk; herbs, spices, salt, pepper, unsweetened coconut flakes, seasonings, Bragg’s Liquid Aminos, soy products, and tofu.
Now that we’ve all gasped and asked ourselves “Where’s the coffee?” “Not even 1 glass of wine?” “What about Grandma’s casserole on Sunday?” “What about that event I’m going to with an open bar and limitless food?”, let’s put on our big girl panties or our big boy boxers and look at the bigger picture. We’re going to live. No one has ever died from eating fruits, veggies, nuts, grains, beans and drinking water. In fact, that processed garbage we’re normally eating? THAT kills us.
Anyway, I have to prep for it. No, not just by eating what’s left of the ice cream in the freezer so it isn’t a temptation for me. I have to really, really enter into this thing with a clean heart. Before I write another word, I want to say that my doing a fast doesn’t make me any better or more spiritual than you. I just really, really want to allow God-intended order into my life and want to share this journey with you. Here are some great tidbits that I’ll share with you in case you’re feeling mildly curious or even wildly enthusiastic about fasting with me!
1. I have to examine my heart for any sin~ confessed or not. When I take this stuff to God, before the fast begins, and ask for forgiveness, He wants to know if I’m suffering from worldly-mindedness, self-centeredness, spiritual indifference, unwillingness to share my faith in Christ with others, not spending sufficient time in God’s Word and in prayer, a poor relationship with my spouse, my children, my pastor, or other members of your church. In other words, He kind of wants us to own our part.
2. There are going to be some highs and lows on the fast. The lows aren’t because we’re hungry; it’s because we’re being deprived of what we think we deserve. (ouch!) The lows are also because our bodies are getting rid of those nasty 
toxins…. we’ve put plenty in so it takes some time for them to escape. Okay, so knowing there WILL be lows, how are we going to handle those? Quit and eat a steak? Nooooo…….. we’re going in to the fast prepared and committed. Before we start fasting, we MUST go to a quiet room, shut the door, sit down, and take some time to think about why we’re doing this. Healing? Better health? Clearer thinking? Fine. But is that enough to sustain you during The Downs? No, go deeper. What is the purpose of your life? What does God want you to be doing that you’re just refusing to do? What addictions does he want you to be over and done with for real? Your fast is as good as its purpose. My purpose is very clear and concise and I’m not wavering.
3. Write your purposes down and tape them to your wall where you can see them every day. Before we can exercise outward authority, we must first effectively exercise it inwardly. This is why first fasts tend to lead inward, I’ve read. Be specific with God~ if you want His direction in Your life, ask for it. If you want to be a better husband or father or mom or friend, ask Him to direct your steps. If you want to establish a closer bond to God himself, ask for it…..but expect to surrender some of what you’re holding on to that’s preventing you for being all of those things. Those things are toxic, too. We’re purging, people! By faith we can expect a reward. God will reward us in fasting if we seek Him in the right way and with the right motives. (is it okay to remind you that God isn’t going to bless something that isn’t in His word or will for you? So don’t ask God to break a covenant you’ve made. Don’t ask God to give you permission to rob a bank. However, DO ask God to strengthen your covenant or provide for your financial needs.)
4. A fasting partner is also incredibly helpful in those moments when you’re having a SNACK ATTACK! Having someone to share fears, doubts and struggles with is also beneficial. But the most advantageous part of fasting with friends is the shared celebration! Victory is even sweeter when we have someone to share it with. I’m sharing this experience with most of my church and (prayerfully) a few of you.
I’m getting the stare down from my pit bull who believes it is now Frisbee time. Looking at the clock, I see she’s right! I told you she was gifted…….
With that said, I’ll see you tomorrow. With my water.
Amy