Thursday, April 23, 2009

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.





20 comments:

Billy Coffey said...

Some of the college students who work for me tried the Daniel fast a few weeks ago. They said it was one of the greatest experiences they've ever had.

Can't wait to hear what you have to share.

Leslie said...

Good for you for doing this! I've always been afraid to try to fast because I get headaches when I'm hungry. Headaches equal crankiness for me, and I don't want to alienate my family! I can't wait to hear about your experience and maybe learn some tips that would help me do it. Blessings to you!

Becca~CapturingSimpleJoys said...

I have other women on a list I'm on that have done this. I look forward to reading how it went for you.

The Four Week Vegan said...

First, I am excited I can access your blog again - yay!

Seocnd, I really look forward to hearing about your journey on the fast.

Anonymous said...

I can't wait to hear more about your fast!

Amanda said...

This is amazing. I WANT to do this so bad!!!

Better get praying on it!

God bless-
Amanda

Beth (Adventures of a Schoolmarm) said...

I was just very recently prompted by the Holy Spirit about fasting myself, so I am interested in doing reading your insights about the experience! :) I had never fasted before, but I recently felt strongly led to participate in a water/juice fast myself regarding an issue that needed intense prayer. The ways that it opened me up to "hearing" God speak was absolutely amazing! I know that I want to learn to be a more effective Prayer Warrior, and I believe God is leading me to learn multiple ways to apply this in my life. Looking forward to hearing more from you on the subject!

Ms. Wanda said...

My husband just fasted the other day for 24 hours he ate and drank nothing. I knew it was on his heart to fast because he felt that he wasn't hearing from God. I was on a different page. It's tough when your married to not be on the same page with your spouse especially when they decide to do something spiritual. I was mad at him because he is not the most pleasant person when he does not eat! I know that was selfish of me but, he could have given me a heads up, right? I 'm going to research this scripture, I'm sure I need to FAST!!!

Gretchen said...

It sounds like you have prayerfully and carefully considered this and are letting God take the lead. Blessings on your journey.

Unknown said...

Looking forward to your following posts.

Kelli said...

We just finished four weeks of learning about fasting in our church's school of ministry. For this non-disciplined food-lover, it was a real eye-opener.

Heart2Heart said...

I can't wait to see how all this goes for you. I myself would find difficulty going without anything but I love your ideas.

Who knows it might just become a new eating habit for you. Keep us posted and we will lift you up in prayer.

Love and Hugs ~ Kat

Kathi D said...

I will be watching to see what you take from your experience.

I completely crash when I go without food for even a day, but I have never undertaken it as a spiritual task, so who knows?

Xandra@Heart-of-Service said...

I have been considering fasting for some time now, but was never sure how to proceed. I'm looking forward to hearing about your experience!

Xandra

Lisa Smith said...

Can't wait to hear more. Praying you are still discovering what God did during the fast.

Praying for your procedure today.

Ronel said...

I can't wait to read your posts... I have been still writing mine and hopefully will post them next week.

Angie said...

I am really very interested in learning about the Daniel Fast. Looking forward to hearing upcoming posts.

Karen Hossink said...

Ah, I hope the surgery went well today. Didn't see this in time to pray before your operation, but I'm praying for you nonetheless.
Looking forward to reading about your lessons.
Love you,
Karen

Anonymous said...

I can't wait to read about what you learned! I have been contemplating/praying about fasting and have just not found the right answers in what I want to do, how to do it, etc. So I am looking forward to reading yours!

Unknown said...

I need to get more info on this. God has been pushing me to do a fast and I have been deliberately ignoring Him...not a good idea, I know.
Michelle

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...