Lately, I’ve been reading a lot of posts on Facebook from people who are feeling defeated, guilty and discouraged because they broke their Daniel Fast by giving into the flesh and eating pizza, or a hamburger, or whatever. They gave in to their cravings. They gave into their flesh.
The easy response is, “Oh, don’t worry. God knows your heart. Don’t be so hard on yourself.”
And there is a lot of truth in that. At least the part about God knowing your heart . . . and maybe about not being so hard on yourself. But what I see so often is that people just brush off the experience and miss the powerful lessons they can learn and the ways they can grow.
First, if you break the fast by giving into temptation you don’t need to start fasting all over again. I’ll cover more of that later. But just like when we sin, we don’t have to “get saved again,” the same goes with fasting. Continue on the journey and recognize that you detoured from the path. Now it’s time to get back on the road.
And let me also add that God is not going to deny you of His presence or not answer your prayers. You are not fasting so He will love you more or have a better opinion of you! Jesus already took care of making you pure and perfect in God’s eyes. So shake off any of that faulty thinking and know that fasting is not going to make God love you any more or any less!
Your first step to returning to the fast is to have a little meeting with yourself. Let your “wise self” interview that self-driven part of you to find out what happened. Why did you give into temptation? Were you not prepared? And so when you got hungry you caved and ate what was easy and available?
Maybe you are so focused on the food that you feel deprived. You’re not strong in the spirit, and rather weak in the flesh. So when you hear pizza or a hamburger or soda calling your name, you answer by giving in.
Perhaps you start having an internal conversation with yourself that goes something like this, “God knows I love Him. He doesn’t really care about what I eat. So I’ll be okay to change the fast and not give up some of the foods I like.”
The key is to find out why you broke the fast. What was going on? What happened? And what will you do “next time” so you are prepared, strong and able to withstand the temptation? These are valuable lessons you can learn about yourself and your approach to the fast. The thing is, the same reason you broke the fast is probably repeated in other areas of your life. So if you can learn the lesson and develop the muscles of the overcomer, then you are growing and getting stronger in your faith and in your life.
Once you’ve figured out your strategy for being better prepared, get back on the path and continue your spiritual journey. Spend time with the Lord and allow Him to speak to your heart and show you what you can do to stay strong and spiritually fed. Allow Him to fill you with His strength as you nourish your spirit from His Word.
And finally, shake off the disappointment, the guilt, and the discouragement. Wrap yourself in the robe of righteousness that Jesus bought for you on the cross and move on with Him at your side. Be thankful for what you have learned. Continue to learn and grow. And finish the race in joy and success! Remember, it’s not how you start that determines the outcome . . . it’s how you finish. And learning valuable lessons about yourself on the fast is all part of the value of this amazing spiritual discipline.
Hello. Do you break the fast on day 21 or day 22?
Hi Carol,
The fast concludes at sunset on the 21st day.
Be blessed.
On yesterday while at some friends house watching the fight I gave in to chicken mac and cheese and greens after starving….I feel so guilty and feel as though I succumbed to flesh which is exactly what i did…I was up to Day 13 when I failed. Thank you Lord for the ability in knowing that I can do it and know that the next time I do I will not succumb to flesh…I feel like such a failure and feel as though I disobeyed you and wasn’t strong like I should’ve been…I know that you would never shun me however I feel like I should’ve had more strength than I did.
Dearest Kimberlee,
Lesson. That’s what you are learning. Keep going on your fast. And examine why you caved and how you can avoid the same mistake next time.
Learn the lesson . . . and then go on. Conquering the flesh is one of the most valuable lessons to be learned on the fast. Lesson served. Your part is to learn it so when you know better you can do better!
Be blessed on the remainder of your fast. Be thankful. You are growing in the Lord.
So I’ve been constantly making mistakes with the eating restrictions(I.e. sugar in salad dressings, milk in products, and all other sorts of things) I have four more days left but I just don’t feel like I did it right. Is it ok to fast on something that you know controls you such as sexual immorality or spending money? I still want to finish this fast out strong but for the next time. Or should I just start this whol fast over because I haven’t really been praying or having devotion. This was my first time and I never really had any instructions. I just knew about the eating restrictions. Maybe I should revisit the whole purpose and plan it out
Hi Kels,
It seems you answered your own question. And it’s very likely that this experience mirrors a characteristic that causes you problems in other areas of your life.
You weren’t ready for the fast. That’s the plain and simple truth. And consequently, you focused on the food restrictions and weren’t able to access the amazing depths of spiritual growth that was there for you. The result is that you didn’t really fast. You dabbled, but you didn’t fast.
Sorry for the “reality pie in the face.” However, I can promise you that you’re not alone. Way too many people take a meager approach and then are disappointed. The good news is that you are willing to see your mistakes and take responsibility.
By the way, biblical fasting is always about restricting food. So fasting from sexual immorality or unwise spending is not a true fast. Abstaining from those activities is fine. But fasting is always about restricting food for a spiritual purpose.
The choice is yours. Do you desire the deep and profound lessons and spiritual growth that you can experience on the Daniel Fast? Do you want to draw nearer to God? Do you want to learn how to walk in the Spirit rather than be controlled by your flesh?
If so . . . then prepare for the fast. Learn about it. Get my book about the Daniel Fast. It has everything you need for a successful fast . . . except for your participation. And I know you can add that!
God is calling you, Kels. He treasures you and wants you to know Him better. He has the joy, the love, and the acceptance for which you long.
Thank You Lord for being with us during 10 Days Daniel’s Fast. We voluntarily deprived ourselves meat and dairy products. My wife and I lived on vegetables cooked without spices, fruit and water only. I’m a gym fanatic, and to my surprise my energy level shot up. I managed to do the exercises effectively because of not being heavy in weight, lightness. The food we were eating were light. The God Almighty carried us through. We had 10 exciting days of living a vegan life. Thank You Lord for seeing us through. Given the opportunity again, we’ll go for 21 days’ fast.
Praise God, Lucky!
Thanks for your post and your good report.
Be blessed as you continue to grow in the love and knowledge of Christ.
Thanks for writing this. I ate some white bread tonight when I was in a rush and hadn’t had enough calories all day. As soon as I did it I felt so guilty. I’m on day ten. But…instead of quitting I’m reevaluating how I can better meal prep and press into the Father. Continuing the fast instead of calling it quits
Great response, Sarah.
Thanks for your message. You’re helping others.
Be blessed.
i did the same thing Sarah; yall, my flesh gave in and i wanted some cheese; so i veered off track a little bit; i felt guilty, but i quickly got back on the fast; i just need more food ideas of what i can eat vs what i can’t eat
Good morning, I was so into the fast. I was on day 8. I was enjoying the praying and singing gospel. I felt so refreshed. The sexual temptation happened and I felt so defeated, angry at myself. I prayed about it and continued with the fast yesterday. I was so cross with my father I scolded him. I was so angry I decided to break the fast because I was even shaking. I ate MacDonalds and now I feel so disappointed.
Poppy
Hi Poppy,
Remember this truth from God’s Word: For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:2
My counsel to you is to take this opportunity to examine your heart. Become aware of the control your ego (flesh) has over your life. And make the decision to learn how to walk in the Spirit. That can only happen when you deny yourself and allow the Spirit of God to reign in you. This isn’t an overnight accomplishment. It’s a “walk” that happens consistently. Step-by-step and bit-by-bit.
Don’t allow the enemy of your soul and your flesh to win this battle. Stand up. Wash your face. And return to the path of the Lord. Live today in His grace and His love. Choose the better way for yourself. He loves you so very much. Receive His love and nourish your soul with His Word and truth.
I recently started the Daniel Fast to give God the first of my year unfortunately I have trouble with not eating meat as an athlete I know it is physically detrimental for the the repairing of the body. I’m glad to hear that others do well unfortunately I have had the reverse affect (i.e. low energy, headaches, lightheadedness). I’m just trying to be able to finish out the rest of the fast
Hi Jack,
You might want to create meal plans that are right for your body and the amount of physical exertion that you experience. Check out this post: What 7 Vegan Athletes Eat to Get (and stay) Ultra Jacked.
Be blessed on your fast
I’m honestly feeling really sick I can barely stay awake and I’m really weak.
We’re also out of town but I feel like a failure if I break my fast.
is it ok to substitute salty snack for sugar ex. sweets to avoid bad breath?
Hi Susan I started the Daniel fast three days ago then I broke it by smoking a cigarette and they I felt weak and ate some cup of noodles what do I do this is not easy but I need to be closer to God please help me and pray for me
Hi, our church is in 40 days fast I never fast this long. But on Sunday I had a slice of cake. I honestly don’t want too because I just wasn’t mentally, physically prepared for it, but somehow I feel the need to still keep at it.
Follow the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Learn and grow as you draw nearer to God through the spiritual discipline of fasting.
I unintentionally broke fast… I learned a valuable lesson tonight as I was cooking plentiful vegetable soup. My store did not have vegetable broth but they had kitchen basics vegetable stock. I read the ingredients to make sure it was vegan, it was, and there was nothing listed in the ingredients on the carton to avoid on the Daniel fast. As I was cooking I pull up the kitchen basics website and they listed additional ingredients not disclosed on the carton, the one in particular being evaporated cane syrup…. Again, this was not listed on the carton. Lesson learned, I will do more research or simply make my own.
That happened to me too! I need to be careful with reading all ingredients, I don’t know some chemicals. I thought it was ok but maybe they r not . If I don’t know I’m gonna just not eat it anymore that’s about it. I’m doing great I’m so amazed at God’s love and presence in my life and this is beyond what I expected. I stay prayed up I don’t get weak or lightheaded it’s so weird very kool God!+ U r awesome! Started on January 22,2019 ends on February 11,2019. I have to pray alot and put God first before anything goes in my mouth! I fergot first time I tried fast but I’m so much more aware now its sur real so weird but so very kool! Love it! Love u JESUS +
Thank you so much for this! My fast was supposed to end on the 18th and I am realizing that I didn’t quite prepare myself. No meal plans has made it a strugglefor most meals. Some nights I fix my family dinner but realize that the only thing I can eat is the vegetables. Which sets me up for failure in the morning when I wake up hungry. I have also realized that although I am reading the Bible more, I am doing more quick studies (Youversion) and not enough time praying and in His word and presence. For some reason I feel like even though I made it this far, my fast was a failure. I need to remeber why I started the fast and stand in God’s grace.
Day 5 of my fast, was about to give up and eat pizza and hot dog…I have been so hungry. Thank God I found this site, I’m back on track.
Had to stop fasting on day 19th since I had to run a marathon on the Saturday the day before my 21st fasting day.So should I fast again for 3 days so as to complete my fast?
Hi Eudie,
Do you feel like you completed it already? If so, then it’s not necessary to fast for the three days. Is your heart calling you to fast more days? Then do it. Listen to that still small voice that’s inside of you. Allow God to lead you and draw you even closer to Him.
Be blessed!
I’m on day 16 of my fast, and I defaulted on the 7th day due to being unprepared where I was. But having gone back there after, once I’d read your article, I was really able to reflect on the other things I easily falter on. It’s my first time and I’m loving the renewed sense of faith and connection with the Word. Thank you so much for your article.
God bless.
I broke it on accident a couple days ago, but I’m on limited budget what happens if you run out of food for the daniel fast and you are unable to buy more. It can be am expensive fast.
hi, that was one of my issue too!!
Mines too…. all i had left was frozen veggies … i spent about 285$ for fruits and veggies and day 7 i had to break it.
Awe, so sad.
The Daniel Fast isn’t about the food. Next time, keep your meals very simple. They needn’t be costly. Simple soups and salads. Whole grains. Baked sweet potatoes.
I hope you will fast again and receive the amazing gifts your Father has for you.
Be blessed.
Thank you for this post it quite interesting.I am on my 15th day of fasting and yesterday I almost committed sexual sin but we stopped bfr we did the inter course now I’m feeling so discouraged and guilty I asked God for forgiveness yesterday BT I still HV da guilt.What should I do?Thank you
God says if you confess your sin He is faithful to forgive and cleanse you. Believe He heard you and receives your repentance.
Hi, I started the Daniel fast and about day 8 I gave in. I should be on day 14 but I start and and stop again. I’m suppose to go to the 29th. Should I keep going? Also along with the Daniel fast I’ve cut Social media off. I have not once been on since. My flesh has tried me but I didnt give in. If only I could be stronger re: food😞
I am on day 13 and I feel like just quiting. I stress eat and I love food. More of foods that are bad for me but I have altered my diet ALOT.
So far this fast has taught me discipline and patience but this morning I woke up and I just cried because I felt like giving up but did not want to let God down. This weekend will be extremely hard because weekends are always my cheat days. Thank you for the article and this will somehow help get through the next 8 days.
I only made it to I started Sunday at 12 pm it’s 7:55 and I’m just going three days so at 12 am I’ll be ready but I ate a little piece of bread I take meds did I give up
Wow, I am so glad I read this. I guess the real reason I want to do this so bad is because I believe exactly that if I fast God will love me more and bless me more, but to hear that Jesus already gave his life that makes it a relief. I am in the constant battle of proving myself. And I think because as I have started to want to prove myself less to others in the physical world, I now just shifted the gear to the spiritual world. I need to learn to appreciate the blessing around me, especially the small stuff and understand that living the right way is enough prove.
Please watch this, it’ll help a lot! With
https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=MOIxxHtPpnw
Thank you do very much..I am on the 21 day fasting.I am so greatfull to GOD for your encouragement because I gave in on the 8th day and I was feeling terrible throughout till the day when I asked God for his forgiveness and grace. Am now back on to my feet’s to finish the fast till the last day.Thank you very much
I wish to ask if you eat once a day and you eat solid food without meat is it wrong?
Praise God! I am so glad you’re back on track. The great news is that you are growing and gaining understanding and spiritual muscle. Those are benefits that are 100 percent transferable to other areas of your life. So much to learn when we fast!
Be blessed and thanks for your lovely message and testimony!
My problem was not giving in to food but it was letting someone get to me. I allowed my self to get bent out of shape because I was getting reproached without cause and I allowed it to get in my spirit. I engaged in conversations about the situation wanting to vent and I should have been quiet. I feel I was going so strong untill that happened and now I’ve been feeling uneasy for two days now. I know on a fast your suppose to be quiet and no gossiping or negativity but the lady on my job really dealt me some misery and I been off track. I’m trying to be more spiritual and bring my thoughts subject but I having a hard time thinking since I messed up will I not come out more spiritual as I requested.
Me too i’ve been struggling the same struggle you went through, my roomate always push me talk something about our other roomate.
Thank you for this post! It really made me feel better about messing up. I want to know, is it okay to modify the fast? To only abstaining from animal products such as meat and dairy, no sugars, and only drink water? This is because I am under weight and don’t want to lose anymore but really want to do this fast.
Yes, Naomi, it’s okay to modify the fast for special needs situations, including health. Fasting should never bring harm to the body, so do what is necessary to maintain your good health.
Be blessed!
Ms. Susan,
This is my 1st time ever doing a fast. My aunt is a minister and her husband is a pastor, their church started a fast this morning. My aunt called my mom last night and asked her if she wanted to join, my mom then asked me if I wanted to join in. I said that I wasn’t sure about that but all night it was on my mind. I woke up thinking about it and then I began to research the Daniel Fast and came across your site. It has really clarified a lot and I feel as it was meant to begin my fast today as well. So today is my 1st day of my fast and I’m looking forward to strengthening my relationship with God. Thank you for your information
God is so good, Sally. He leads us and directs us.
He’s called you to the Fast for your good! Give Him the time and open your heart to the revelations He wants to share with you.
Be blessed on your fast.
Thank you for these encouraging word’s I am on day 8 of the fast and this past Friday and Saturday found myself responding to the flesh all because I didn’t tell a male friend whom I have interests in that I am fasting. This morning I wanted to quit altogether but reading your post has encouraged me to continue and I have also decided to let him know that I am fasting. This made me realise how important it is to consistently stay in the spirit during this time and to become desperate in receiving a breakthrough, to think I wasn’t even really hungry at the time, maybe a slight head but I knew it would pass.
Thank you,
I am Desperate
Dearest Tracy,
I am so glad this article helped you! Praise God. He’s there for you and will lead you and direct you as you put your faith in Him.
I encourage you to spend the rest of your fast learning more about and practicing trusting Him. He is your Provider, your Comforter, your Helper. Trust in the Lord. Draw near to Him and He will draw near to you.
Be blessed, dear one!
Hello,
Am a little confused about The Daniel fast. Do I abstain from food for a period like the traditional fast then break with vegetables and fruit or should I continue my normal eating periods (breakfast,lunch and dinner) but eat only vegetables??
Lilian, the Daniel Fast is a partial fast where some foods are restricted and others allowed. There are not times when you cannot eat (keeping in mind that it’s a fast so practice moderation). It’s best to eat three simple meals each day and if necessary a couple simple snacks.
I hope this helps,
Susan
I am on day six now and for the first 5 days I felt like I do not have any energy, but thank you Susan for my Journey in Faith. Although I am tired and just want to sleep my faith lesson each day give me the inspiration to carry on and I think it is because I only fast to draw closer to God. My first test was this weekend when we was visiting friend and I offer to cook, they ate with me Whole Grain Pasta and veggies (clever of me I think), but I did mix in some chicken afterwards for them. But the best part was the pudding part when they all ate some nice cake and I ate my nice dates and dried peaches. That was such a victory for me and that also encourage me to stay on the fast for 15 days more.
Thank you Susan for all the teaching and inspiration. Be Blessed
I’m on day four I had some balsamic dressing and it had something sweet in it. I was grabbing a salad and I’m like I think it should be fine but it probably had honey because I was athinking a restaurant. Then I feel like I’m misreading labels, or think something is ok like a seasoning and it ends up having some sugar, so I feel bad because I always mess up in some way. I’m going to keep going because for the most part I do a good job my meals but I always kind of mess up one thing. I also feEl super weak in the he morning. I’m going to keep going and I’m still praying and studying.
This is the 6th time I’ve started the daniel fast. No matter what I do whether the fast diet plan I seem to always fail on the first day period I’m really getting discouraged I really want to do the fast deep in my spiritual life with God and my walk deeper fellowship with the Holy Spirit period and to also get a control I might eating instead of feeding my emotions. I guess I’m also looking for Christian support in this any suggestions any help you can give
Hi Laverne,
Spend some time with the Lord and ask Him for His help. Also, I encourage you to watch the free study I created that I believe will help you. Just click on the link below to register for it. It’s all free . . . and very well received!
Your Journey in Faith
Be blessed!
Laverne,
I know this is a delayed response, but I used to have the same problem. I read this book called the Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster and the chapter on Fasting. It changed my life!
This one sentence did it for me: Whenever you begin to Fast, you will find out what controls you.
Hope this helps. You can do it!
Peace and Blessings
That’s kind of deep…”Whenever you begin to Fast, you will find out what controls you”…something to ponder.
Thx.
Good day, Can I export your post picture and apply that on my personal blogging site?
Hello! You can repost the entire blog post, but you can’t just use the photograph. The photos are all copyrighted but I don’t own the copyright to let others use the photos.
Be blessed!
Susan, I am listening to your You Tube Devotionals along with. my fast. I would like to do the worksheets… Where can I download them?
Thanks,
Patti
Hi Patti,
Go to Faith Driven Life and you can click on the Free Bible Studies. That will take you to the study you are following.
Be blessed!
thankyou so mush susan you are a true sister in christ,you helped me so much in my spiritual walk with christ.prior to starting your 21 day daniel fast the lord had put in my heart to fast 3day only water and so i did ,however on the same words from him he also said then we will do the 21 day daniel fast so at this time you can imagine the flesh was trying to make all the excuses as to why but i siad to myself yes you will ,just like you have taught althrough the lessons with total surrender and prayer locking out the world in these times of prayer i achieved it and knowing he would be with me all the way,he had also said in my heart he 40day fast we will do next so i am looking forward to that one.i can truly say to you and anyone that reads this that his love and patience and i did slip a few times but you know it made me stronger through the day in like you said ,so what i didnt fail i will do better the rest of the day and this actually does make it easier because satan truly hates us doing this and loves to work on our doubts but if you dont beat yourself up it is easy.i have been a christian for 4years now and i can tell you i have changed sinse completing the fast it made me realise how much the world and our flesh try to rule us and how silky smooth satan is in this world ,i am not giving him credit but we as christians have to put on our full armour each day.god is so amazing susan your site was the first and only site that i looked at in my search so that was another of the big blessings that you had been saying through your lessons each day from our father ,you will always be in my prayers my list has grown but the more the better also this to brings more blessings spending longer in pray, today is my 21st day and tomorrow at 6am we be the end of my fast but really only the beginning ,god bless you susan your amazing and a true sister in christ,thankyou so much.
Dear Malcolm,
Your message is so targeted to the truth about fasting and God’s amazing love. I truly believe one of the most powerful lessons we can learn during the Daniel Fast is the war between the flesh and the Spirit. Each breakthrough, whether large or small, helps build our faith muscles and our resolve. Small victories lead to big success.
Blessings to you, Malcolm. And thank you for sending your thoughtful message.
Be blessed, dear brother.
I started a 7 day fasting with my husband, and today is was supposed to be my third day with him, but I gave in. I feel terrible because my husband doesn’t know. I don’t want to say anything cause he is doing so good. And for three days during this fasting he hasn’t had a cigarette. And he called me to pray on my third day but I had already failed. And I listen but didn’t say anything cause I really want him to stop smoking. With this fasting it looks like my husbands faith is growing and he told me he doesn’t feel an urge at all to smoke. So that’s why I didn’t told him about me giving in. But I will start over and in the name of Jesus, I will do good for the rest of my four days. Please pray for me. Should I told him?
Hi Veronica,
I can understand your challenge. Fasting can raise up issues and call us to make choices and grow. My suggestion would be to humbling go to your husband and explain to him exactly how you have expressed your concern here. Let your husband comfort you and be strong for you in this situation. Allow him to serve you and care for you. I expect that this can be a bonding time for you as a couple and build in your life together in Christ.
God is so very good. He will be with you and your husband. Put your faith in him. Respect your husband with your gift of honesty, humility, and care for him. This is intimacy between loved ones and the building blocks for a strong marriage.
Be blessed. I hope this helps . . .
God placed on my heart a great recipe that is delicious and simple and I wanted to share it with you! It is as follows:
1/2 cup rolled oats (uncooked)
2 Tablespoons Organic Peanut Butter (or Crazy Richard’s 100% Peanuts Peanut Butter)
Raisins (I usually add a handful, enough for a good ratio in comparison to the oats)
Optional add in to spice it up:
Cinnamon
That’s it! It is delicious, according to the Daniel Fast and filling!
Thanks, Shay! Looks good!
Hi Susan,
I’m struggling to fast this time and this tine at least it’s the Daniel fast, last I fasted its was nothing but water, and keep in mind I’m 7 months pregnant my dr has given the green light, I’m standing in the Gap for my 12 yr marriage my husband is the prodigal son at the moment we have a 14 yrd daughter and a 11 month old son plus I’m pregnant with our 3rd miracle, as for fasting I start off so good in the morning but then By evening time I give in telling myself that fasting fir my husband whose choosen to leave for the 2nd time is not worth our unborn child not eatting properly. Please keep me in prayer for strength to fast the 21 days
Dear Justina,
Fasting should ALWAYS safe for your health and certainly for the health of your unborn child. You can safely use the Daniel Fast. Be sure to learn about it and the foods that are allowed. It’s a very healthy way to eat.
However, I encourage you to continue to pray and ask the Holy Spirit to work on the heart of your husband. Remember, God has given us a free will. So it’s the will of your husband that is out of line with God’s will. Your husband is making the choice.
I encourage you to choose health, choose faith, and choose to trust in the Lord that He will care for you and your children no matter what you husband chooses to do. Trust in the God. Lean into Him. And stay strong in your faith and love for God.
Be blessed, dear one.
Thank you. Most times i stop my fasts because i loose my temper and get into fights with people. Ironically most of my fasts are on seeking God to help me overcome anger but i almost always end up on same situation before i conclude my fast. I have a serious temper problem. I dont know what to do. Please help.
A typical example is this Easter season where i felt led to fast this four days Easter period and take this anger to the cross.
On sunday morning (third day) i got into a heated conflict with my only son who is 27yrs. He angrily packed his stuff and left home . I dont know where he is. Am angry wt him, with God and with myself. I feel confused and ashamed. Especially because of the shouting that cud have been overheard. I feel like quiting salvation all together. I feel im an embassment to God and to the faith i profess. Im not conducting myself in accordance to the Gospel. I feel so frustrated for always letting God down. I dont know how to handle this. Please help.
Hello Ruth,
Oh, how the enemy will try to keep us from growing closer and stronger in Christ! And it seems he is pushing your weakest spot to cause all kinds of heartache for you!
First of all, know that God loves you. He loves you when you’re doing everything right and He loves you when you’re doing everything wrong. His love is unconditional. So be assured that you can always go to Him and always count on Him.
Here are my thoughts about anger that I hope will help you. First of all, anger is a secondary emotion. So one of the first things I encourage you to do it so find time to be by yourself in a quiet place where you can prayerfully examine your heart. Ask yourself questions while being gentle with yourself. What is under the anger? Be vulnerable with yourself so you can see and then begin to understand.
Right now the anger is keeping you from the truth. So you can’t deal with the emotions you are really feeling because the anger if covering them up. But if you spend some time and really search your heart, you will begin to get some hints to what is under the anger. When you know the truth, you can deal with those emotions, fears, and thoughts in a wise way.
You have wisdom in you. But again, the anger keeps it from serving you.
For now, give the situation about your son to the Lord. And spend time discovering the truth. The truth will help you and those you love. And it will open up communication and love.
I hope this helps . . .
Be blessed and know you are always loved!
Thanks alot Susan. You are a great blessing. You addressed it like you know me.Was very helpful. It is hard though. Yes you are right….my anger has alot to with insecurities, fears and rejections from a very shaky upbringing and an abusive marriage. My mother died when i was 6yrs old…..my dad was polygamous…had 4 wives. I never had attachment wt my father…he was always absent and never cared. When i pray i always address God as my daddy…he is the daddy tht i never experienced but again when storms come my way,i dont how to trust Him that He is still there. Have suffered so much rejection, neglect and mistreatment. Even in places ive worked……nontheless Susan….i will hang on there. God bless you and increase you. Keep up the good work.
Ruth, you are like many who struggle with the wounds from our childhood. Feelings of abandonment, rejection, and unworthiness can keep us from fully experiencing the amazing and powerful love of God. I encourage you to keep working on seeing yourself, not as the broken one, but as the beautifully created child of God that your Father made you to be. See yourself like He sees you. And that is with love, care, compassion, and hope.
Be blessed, dear one.
Amen. Thank you for support and kind words Susan. You are a great blessing.
Hi Susan, I have been on the Daniel Fast since Monday, so today is the 5th day. I’ve also felt led most mornings to not eat until noon. This morning while I was getting my lunch together to bring to work, I thought about breakfast but then it came to me to not eat until noon again. Then I get to work and a co-worker left some breakfast on my desk and she said, “I even remembered to get it with bacon, I know how much you like bacon.” I started to get confused and it was coming to me that I was making too much of this, that the Lord didn’t care if I ate that and that I would hurt her feelings if I didn’t eat it! I started drinking my water like crazy, and I didn’t eat it! I feel like that’s another battle I’ve made it through. Thanks for all of your teachings, it has been a big help to me.
Hi Jennifer,
Thanks for sharing your experience with us. Truly, the fast has so many lessons for us as we draw nearer to God and focus on His ways.
My suggestion to you is to see if there are others messages for you in this, maybe not at all related to food. I’m not saying there is. However, often we can experience a situation that helps us to strengthen our faith or see other things in our lives that the Lord is calling us to notice.
Be blessed on your fast as you continue to grow in the love and knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Be blessed.
Hi! I am doing a fast. I usually try to give up something that brings me closer to God. This year my most favorite thing…wine. The intention is every time I want a glass of wine I get into Gods word. Well I am weak and really want a glass of wine. I don’t feel like it’s helping in my efforts with my Father. What should I do? If I have a glass of wine while I am in His word is that bad? I sound like an addict but seriously miss my end of the day glass of wine. Usually I crave both wine and His word but felt this would be a more effective way to grow closer to a Him. What do I do? I don’t want to fail God. I feel like I do that enough as a sinner. Help!
Heather,
I encourage you to seek the Lord on this issue. Is He calling you to a deeper place of giving up the self? It’s not anything to do with the “what,” but instead the denying of self so you can receive more of Him in your heart.
I know this can be challenging. And it’s not an addict issue. It’s part of the human condition. So I encourage you to sit with the Lord. Let Him lead you and teach you.
By the way, this is not a Daniel Fast you are doing . . . just so others are not confused. This site is about using the Daniel Fast as a method of fasting.
Be blessed.
Dear Susan, this is very helpful. I have been struggling with food since I was a little girl and and I have gone off my fast a few time. I now see that I have made it all about the food and even though I feel so much better when I do the Daniel fast, in times of anxieties I turn back to my comfort food and then feel ashamed and I am guilt driven.
Now I truly see that it is not and has never been about me. I have studied Daniel and his reverence for God is evident when he chose not to defile himself with the Royal food.
Our congregation is studying idols and now I see that certain foods have become idols in my life and that I have placed more importance on them at times.
The great news is that God has opened the eyes of my heart and he is showing me that he will never give up on me and that I can come to him and confess my struggles and he has already provided me with his victory.
I humble myself before my father in Heaven and cry out that I need him to guide me through this time because this is not about success or victory but about reverence to my God. I pray to continue to grow closer to him each and every day.
Thank you for your ministry.
May you continue to be blessed.
Praise God. He is so good. And what a blessing to have Him show you how to walk in truth and His light.
Blessings to you, dear one.
Hi everyone. My husband and I are planning to start a 3 week Daniel fast at the end of this week. We have been on this fast together before and it was like pressing the reset button on our spiritual life. It brought us closer to each other and to God. I remember how well I felt physically, spiritually and emotionally during the fast. We continued eating a slightly modified version of the fast at the end of the 3 weeks. I have never eaten meat since and now eat a plant based diet with oily fish. This fast is therefore for spiritual reasons however every aspect of our lives benefits. It is really encouraging to read so many positive testimonies from those who have been on the fast. I would like to encourage anyone who has had a blip to refocus asap, be gentle with yourself and keep going.
I would like to know if I have broken the fast if I take holy communion at church
No, the Lord’s Supper always takes precedents over fasting.
Be blessed.
Susan. I have a question about fasting. So my boss and her husband bought everyone a valentine donut. I don’t know whether to eat it or be polite and say I will eat it later. I’m not sure what to do about these type of situations. This is my second year doing the Daniel fast I love it.
Hi Pamela,
Have you read my book, The Daniel Fast? I cover that situation there using an example of when I was a guest at the home of my son (who is from Ethiopia) and his wife. When I arrived i learned that my daughter-in-law worked for hours preparing a special meal for me. It included lamb. In this case, I pushed the pause button on the fast and ate the lamb. Later that evening she presented me with a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony, which is used to show respect to others – she was showing her respect to me as her mother-in-law. I also partook of the coffee. In both these cases, love was the reason. Then I returned to the fast the very next day when I returned home.
In your situation, you may be able to forgo the donut with a simple explanation. If you find it would be disrespectful to pass on the food, then use your judgement. Then get right back on board.
I know that we are not suppose to have sugar, but what about food that have sugar, for example 2gm or 5gm of sugar.
Arman,
If sugar is listed as an ingredient, then it’s not allowed. If the product has sugar listed in the nutritional analysis, then it would be allowed.
This is my first Daniel Fast and I’ve been avoiding all sugar contents both the ingredients and also the nutritional sections. I thank you for the daily devotions as well as the videos. I am fasting and praying for my family and relatives for a breakthrough in our life. I believe and trust God for this breakthrough.
Natalie
This is my first Daniel Fast and I’ve been avoiding all sugar contents both the ingredients and also the nutritional sections. I thank you for the daily devotions as well as the videos. I am fasting and praying for my family and relatives for a breakthrough in our life. I believe and trust God for this breakthrough.
Thanks so much for your devotional during this time of the Daniel’s fast. It was an amazing journey. I was unable to get the book at this time but the devotional and the blogs were very helpful. Again thank you so much!! God bless you!!
Wow what great inspiration. My church has just started with the Daniel Fasting from Midnight last night. So my first prayer is that God helps me to just get through today and I believe that God will help me to complete my 21 days fasting. I also pray and recognize that Through the 21days I will face a lot of challenges and struggles, However, I will continue to put my trust in God and allow God to continue building my character through the whole experience
Hi Susan,
How are we supposed to transition our diet after the fast if we need to switch back to meals that include meat and fish?
Hi Len,
See this video: How to Complete the Daniel Fast
Thank you for the daily devotions ,I Witnessed a Robbery Yesterday! May God continue to us you in teaching us His ways. Stay Blessed
Hello Susan. I didn’t start my fast. This is my first time doing the Daniel Fast. Does it have to be January or I can do it whenever?
You can start the fast any day you desire. The Daniel Fast is a method of fasting and used at various times for groups and individuals.
Be blessed!
Hello- I’m starting my very first fast, God has been calling me and I have been running from Him and I don’t know why. He has been so good to me and my family. He has spoken to me and has drawn me closer to Him. I’d rededicating my life to Him and I want to show Him that I love Him and need Him, I’m doing this fast for spiritual uplifting and to be closer with Him.
Several times now I have wanted to do the Daniel Fast, the first day I give in to bad foods. I hate it! I know I find comfort in food when it should be Jesus. I have fasted before 3 days with no food just water but yet I struggle with the Daniel Fast. I want to fast to draw closer to Jesus, find comfort in HIM, give up stuff for HIM , have break thru and prayers answered. I am going thru alot of pain God knows. My husband wants a divorce I don’t. It’s been a emotional rollercoaster ride. Please keep me in prayer. Thank you
Hey I too want to walk a closer walk with God and I do want to do the Daniel Fast I have never done it and I want to know God and I want to know God as I find myself and if you love your husband just continue to pray for him and let God to the rest and keep your head up
I’ve wanted to do it before and wasn’t able to. I am on my 4th day now, God will let you know when it’s your time to do it. Don’t give up! Praying for you and your marriage.
Diane,
I and praying for you. May the Holy Ghost give you comfort and peace as you’re going through these trials. May you find a sense of renewed joy in the Lord and seek him with all your heart, mind, soul and strength. May he find you ready to be renewed and strengthened through Christ Jesus. God bless you! God can turn everything around suddenly. May your trust and belief and faith in him be increased evermore. May the love of God surround you and then comfort you. Be not dismayed or discouraged. Trouble does not last always! Joy comes in the morning! He has never left you. Nor will he forsake you! Seek him! Seek Him First and his righteousness and all other things will be added unto you!
Susan. The highlight of the fast for me has been not to have to focus on complicated menus. Kept it simple and focused instead on time with the Lord. I got really sick. Not sure if it was going cold turkey on caffeine but i ached for a whole week. Sometimes I feel the spiritual battles physically but kept in prayer about the strange pains. Jesus healed me. I have had to adjust my diet bc of present circumstances being away from home but still focused on prayer and time with Jesus. This joyful experience alone will be my main motivation to persevere. Thanks for your encouragement.
Hi Amada,
Yes, the sickness and pain was very likely caffeine withdrawal. Keep the meals simple so they don’t need a lot of time to think about or prepare. You are on you way to a successful time with the Lord.
Day 21 for me! This is my 2nd fast and with the encouragement and suggestions in your book, it has surpassed my expectations. I prayed for my relationship with God to grow stronger as I devoted my thoughts and daily activities to focus around Him first! I selected as one of my “smooth stones” Psalm 139:5 which says, “You hem me in, behind and before, and lay Your hand upon me.” I have imagined myself just that, hemmed in by His presence! He knows my name!!!!!Thank you Susan for this blog and for your book. Abundant Blessings!
Hi Susan God bless you, I have a question is soychorizo allowed on the fast these are the ingredients it has: Textured soy protein, water, soy oil, distilled vinegar, salt, spices, red pepper
I’m so upset with myself. I’m almost 2 weeks into the fast, day 12. I just slipped up and ate a piece of pizza. My little boy had a stressful event at his dads house and he called me crying so I can pick him up. His dad and dads girlfriend were fighting terribly and he was scared. I bought him pizza. I wasn’t going to have a piece but I caved in. I also called out of work tonight. I’m a nurse and work overnight. I’m stressed. I was doing so good resisting temptation until today. This is my first fast. Please help. What should I do?
Continue going on the fast. Learn from your mistake so you won’t repeat it. Then put the mistake behind you and move into more great days with the Lord.
I wanted to encourage anyone feeling downtrodden with a testimony of Gods goodness. My husband and I committed to doing a ten day fast that just ended this week. Before the week was over, specific prayers from our time of fasting have already been answered. We asked for a financial shift and this week my husband noticed his paycheck was bigger. His boss forgot to mention that he was giving him a significant raise. Prayer answered. And in addition, one of his cases – he’s an attorney – that was nearly dead in the water was revived in a big way. Another prayer answered. My faith has been increased as my intimacy with the Father has increased. I sense Him more closely than before. I’ve even been brought to tears and laughter just sitting with Him this week as He ministers to my heart. He’s so gentle and faithful. He’s given me new insights into scripture that has greatly excited me and drawn me into deeper belief and reliance on Him.
We saw and felt pushback from the enemy- which encouraged us that even he could sense God moving! We are eager to see what else God has in store for us. Stay the course! The Lord loves our sacrifices.
Amen! Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful testimony. It’s given me a renewed spirit.
Amen!!!! Thank you Gerilyn. I have not started mine. Does it have to be in January or I can start anytime I am led to do it?
Start at any time 🙂
Question: How do people usually do the Daniel diet? I have some friends that do it for the week our church has prayer and fasting. I know I read a little about the Weight lost and healthy part but to be honest. So do some do a version of the diet constantly or have a few “cheat days” (as a friend likes to say) or free days?
Most people use the Daniel Fast for 21 consecutive days. No “cheat days.” And it’s not a diet. It’s a spiritual fast. The focus is time with God and not with food. 🙂
Hi Susan, So far during the Daniel Fast I find myself falling for the temptations of the flesh. However, after reading your article, I felt gods presence fall upon me with patience, grace, and a peace of mind. Thank you for inspiring me and other christians who’re currently going the Daniel Fast.
Praise God! He is so good.
Susan I prayed to God that I broke the rules of fast of Daniel will it help and I read the bible as well I am sorry
Hi Randy,
First, examine your heart. Why did you break the fast? What was happening. Learn from this experience. Then, come to the Lord and allow Him to comfort. Allow the peace of God to enter your heart and return to wholeness as you put your faith in Him.
Be blessed.
God is so amazing!! I started my fast a little later so I am on day 9. I have never done a fast for this long before now, and I have had strength that is clearly not my own. God has been with me every second.
Susan, I am so thankful for you and for everything you have done and continue to do to help so many people deepen their faith and change their lives. Thank you for being so grounded in God’s Word that you were able to set aside any fear or doubt you may have had, and answering His call. I look so forward to your lessons every day; they are powerful, uplifting and encouraging, and absolutely necessary on this journey. This dedicated time with our Heavenly Father is what gets us through and forever changes our hearts. You truly are a blessing.
Praise God, Lisa! Our God is so good. I am delighted for you and your great experience on the fast.
Be blessed!
Hello everyone out there that are really children of God by doing this fast. I need advice I’ve seem to have caught a cold while doing my fast what can I do to knock it out without any man made chemicals going in my body(or is it in the book I have)!I bought halls intense cool drops.to dissolve in my mouth throughtout the day but as we know its sugar n them I dont absolutely dont want to break my fast ive come to far HELP!!!
This is amazing! I recently became sick and i ended up eating crackers and rice. I feel terrible because I really want to do the fast the right way.
Start again! Repent means “to change the way you think or to change direction.” So repent and get back on board!
Be blessed!
I caught a fever my 4th day into the Fast. Thought I was under some sort of attack, but the flu/common cold has been going around where I live (Seattle). However, I have been resting and taking meds since, starting to feel a lot better. I still have that hunger to deepen my relationship with Jesus and know his will through extended prayer and fasting. Pray for me as I will for you too as we Let go and Let God..
Hey Pablo, I hope you are feeling better. I’m also in Washington! Ellensburg here!
Be blessed.
Is coconut oil allowed on the fast? Unsweetened coconut milk for cereal or smoothies?
Yes to all you asked about 🙂
Thank you guys I was filling guilty because I tried but failed now .Keep encouraging us we need this .Thanks again God bless
Thanks for those encouraging words Brendetta, I too have gone through some struggles as well, God is so good- He knows our hearts and he knows what we need before we asked – He works on his time, not ours – I am learning to be patient and wait on the Lord to answer my prayers – Like he has done so many times before – I have started the 21 days Daniel Fast and I feel blessed and wonderful – I feel a big burden has been lifted from me since I have started the Fast – Like I previously stated I too am going through some struggles and God is already opening my eyes and blessing me in a way I never thought would happen – I thank God so much for enabling me to do the Fast and not have hunger pangs like the previous fasts – I prepared and prayed to God to really help me in this journey and he has and I know he will continue to do so – Thank you God and thank you Susan for being a woman of God and helping so many people – Thank you and may God bless you always –
Thank you Susan for this teaching it gives a new prospective on the fast,I feel stronger !more discipline ,and I want to win this raise ! I am learning as I go along with every lesson.Deeper understand who I am in Christ Jesus! yes the challenges is there daily,but with Jesus in my boat I can face the storm!!
I feel absolutely terrible that I caved into my fleshy temptations. I am on day 14 of my 21 day fast and I am single. I am fasting to help break soul ties along with other areas and today I gave in and had sex with my ex. I repented and asked the Lord to forgive me but I committed and separated myself. As far as eating, i have done very well so i know i have the discipline. I think I know what went wrong… I have been reading my bible every night but haven’t been seeking God’s face to allow him to help me.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts because thats what we need
This is my first time doing a 21 day fast for the New year. I want this year to be different than the past years with my walk with our lord.I want to draw closer to him&get some unanswered prayers answered through my life I had many struggles&felt so alone but I know God is available.I want&desireeBay some breakthroughs n my life for the season im in.since starting the New year fast God has been speaking to me especially at night.I have the book daniel fast I love the chili,zoom cereal&many others i have more energy,what I love is that n the book I can take my multivitamins which is a blessing.I do daycare for my granddaughter and thought theres no way I can do this without caffeine but with God&me drawing strength from within or my inner man I can.thanks susan ive had your book for alittle over a year&finally made up my mind im going to use it&do it.im excited about what God is going to do or show speak tp me as I stay commited&devoted set apart to him with my eating.ive had weight issues all my life this is working.I encourage any Born again person or jesus believers to get the book&attempt to try it if your like me who have prayed&want breakthroughs n your life&feel like God is not answering fed up&tired&going through another year with the same prayers not being answred.try the New year or anytime submitting to GOD.I pray to continue on for the next 15 days God bless you Susan you are a soldier in Gods army
Thank you for this reminder
Thank you needed this
So glad i found this page.. thank u
I have another method. When I go off the Fast by eating something not allowed, I don’t break the Fast or feel guilty. I pray and for every mistake I add 1 day to the Fast. Next time I think twice about eating that. 2 mistakes 2 more days.
Never guilty. I pay my dues.
Thank God for you, I was really staring to feel as if I was giving up until I read this,I told myself not to feel bad cause I did try,and the part about learning from your break will help u the next time u fast,awesome, I was thinking that,fasting is a mental thing ,u have to be ready ,prepare yourself and when the time come you’ll be ready ,you’ll know what to do and how to handle it when Hunger accrue lol y’all be blessed and let’s get back on the journey sooner,God bless😘
Thank you for that positive motivation.God bless you
Thank you….day 5 I am still holding strong….question. It’s the weekend and I am off…I refrain from watching tv and going on Facebook all week. I have some recorded tv show is it ok to watch it after my prayer on the weekend?
That’s up to you, Susan.
Abstaining from television, Facebook, and other activities is not required on the Daniel Fast. However, may people add this element to their fast so they can focus more of the attention on God. Also, a great way to settle and be quiet before the Lord.
Thank you for these words of wisdom. Just what I needed today 🙂 God bless
Amen! Thank you for the wisdom and Godly counsel!
So true, thank you for those encouraging words! God bless you! ❤️
Thank you for the good words and the encouragement. I have been on the fast for 12 days. I talked to my pastor and told next year we need to have class on the fast. People need to prepare for this and have the right food at hand not waking up on the first day with nothing good in the house.
Once again, Thank you.