Updated: Lessons Learned From The Daniel Fast: Prologue

(Update: This post is an intro to a series of sorts I will be doing about a fast that I actually completed 2 weeks ago. I learned so much that it will take a few blog posts to share my experiences. On 4/24/09 I will be having minor outpatient surgery and hope to continue this series next week. Blessings to you all, and many thanks for the sweet encouragement and feedback. Angela)

Less than four weeks before this past Easter, I began contemplating the idea of fasting. I researched different types of fasts. One modeled after Daniel's diet (Daniel 1: 8-14 and 10: 2,3), aptly titled The Daniel Fast, struck me as both doable and meaningful. After spending some time in prayer, I felt it best to proceed, but I was still timid about the process and wanted a partner.

Since The Professor was not interested in fasting with me, I sent out some feelers via Facebook. I think I wrote something along these lines: “I'm considering a Daniel Fast, please tell me I am crazy and should put the thought out of my mind!” Just kidding. I actually mentioned the idea and that was all...but deep in my heart I had hoped that someone would write me and ask if I wanted a partner. And someone did.

Mrs. Sidney from Mommy Accountability, whom I have never met in person yet still consider a friend, told me that she was on board to fast along with me (God had already been prompting her about fasting). It was at that time when I slammed on the brakes and politely brought the words I. am. considering. to the forefront. I took three more days to pray about it because limiting my food intake is a huge deal for me, and you'll understand why shortly in the next installment.

Once I felt that God was directing this step in my life, I wrote down my reasons for fasting and my plan of action.

Reasons to Fast

• Obedience to God

• Empathy for those with far less

• Spiritual Growth

Areas of Concern

• Pride

• Allowing weight loss to creep in as a motivator

Food & Time Frame

• Abstain from all sweets/junk food, bread, and dairy products

• Drink only water

• Eat only fresh fruit, vegetables, whole grains and oats.

• Small portions (about 800- 500 calories a day)

• Continue the fast for 21 days.

I then received some helpful ideas and encouragement from Mrs. Sidney and eagerly began my journey to what I was certain was going be a mountaintop experience of growth and renewal. Although I learned a lot during the twenty-one days that followed, the lessons were not easy.

I'll be sharing them soon.