The Daniel Fast
The Daniel Fast…what have I learned from it? Several things…I’ve learned that my body responds better to healthier food—more fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, etc. I’ve learned that while Dr. Pepper is undoubtedly my favorite beverage, adding more water to my liquids intake has been beneficial and not too bad. I’ve learned that my body needs a period of time to detox…apparently I don’t eat as healthily as I thought…and I’ve learned that, yet again, my flesh is incredibly “whiny”.
I have fasted before with only water and no food for part of a day (or even a few days), and I have (I’m sure like many others) experienced the toddler sensations that occur when fasting like: “I want to have a hamburger RIGHT NOW!!” followed by some ridiculous internal tears…
Note: The toddler sensations that occur when fasting are actually just the flesh rising up again—surprise! It’s still there! Just when we thought we might have conquered it, fasting unearths the flesh’s naughty self yet again.
This fast, though, has been different. This fast does not remove food from my day, but instead forces me to change my lifestyle (believe me, the flesh has had something to say about that, too). I am pushed into a frame of mind where I must consider my food choices and make choices that are better for me and probably closer to what God intended for my body.
I actually have to cook more and read labels for ingredients, and believe me there are some days when it is just difficult, inconvenient, and frustrating, and I think to myself, “If I have to eat one more vegetable, I think I’m going to have a fit!” And there has been some spiritual warfare blocking the way here and there, but truthfully, I wouldn’t trade it. God is doing something inside of me.
Not only is my outer man being cleansed and detoxed, so is my inner man. Granted, I have only been able to enact the fast for lunch, dinner, and the snacks in between for the past week (working my way into breakfast as my body slowly detoxes and acclimates to the changes), but already the difference is remarkable.
I have experienced more conviction and repentance, have heard the Lord’s voice a little clearer; there is less clutter in my soul and I feel less sluggish—internally and externally. God is reminding me of things He has spoken to me before and is stirring up old passions and desires in terms of spiritual giftings, things that I haven’t considered in a while. Basically, the Daniel Fast is helping me to clean house, subdue the flesh, and make room for the Spirit to work in me:
“Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you…” Romans 8:5-9a
Today, join me…let’s allow God to make room in us for the Spirit to work, and then let’s allow the Spirit to move inside of our souls to bring repentance and change. If we want to see chains broken, strongholds demolished, and experience revival—then we must be willing to do our part and give God room to work.
Katie Botello
FBC Aztec Member