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.
What happens if I eat nuts with salt in it
Nuts and salt are both fine on the fast, so enjoy them 🙂
Be blessed as you lean into God and His goodness.
Thank you for this. It’s good information to think on. While I have not given into the temptations of what I* wanted to eat, I did give into the curiosity of the flesh and put bee pollen in one of my meals without asking myself if it was allowed or not until afterwards. Now I am stuck with the question “Do I continue the fast to the intended date, or do I begin all over again and push the last day of my fast to a different date?”..
I am on day 3 and a half of my fast. I have eye pains a lot and so I feel to comfort eat. I do not want to stop fasting, I am asking the Holy Spirit to aid me. The pain is so much but I just do not want to leave God’s presence. My eyes are killing me but my will just does not want to stop. It is spirit vs man. Life is so much better right now. I do not want to forget God after I fast.
Thank you for this blog! I am on Day 11 of the Daniel Fast, and for some reason, it has been much more of a struggle this time around, with lightheadedness, feeling weak, body aches and brain fog. I had originally planned to do the Daniel Fast for the duration of Lent, but now I am wondering if I should stop at 10 days. I know some people do it for 10 days, 21 days, or during Lent. I am not tempted to eat meat at all, but rather, I am worried about feeling weak and lightheaded. I have prayed about this, whether to end it early, but how do I know if I should go on and be strong through this, or end it early? How do I know if I am giving in to temptation, or if God is telling me that I should end it early if I am not feeling well?
Hi Jane,
The Daniel Fast (as I teach it) is a very healthy way to eat. Make sure you’re eating adequate protein from whole grains, legumes, and leafy green vegetables. Plus, make sure you’re eating enough food. Nourish your body with the good plant-based foods God created.
One more thing, you want to make sure that you’re not experiencing symptoms from an illness that had nothing to do with the fast. So if you think it necessary, contact your health professional.
I hope this helps. Be blessed as you continue to draw near to God during your fast and always.
Thank you sister Susan this blog is a major blessing to me. I am thinking about going on the Daniel fast because I need a miracle quick. And i also think it’s a great way to get to know God better. I fast once a week, but now I need bigger results for a major miracle I need to have happen. I am reluctant to go 28 days on a fast because, I have been diagnosed with bipolar and other things. I just don’t want to dissapoint myself or God if I slip up. I want the miracle to still happen. It has been my experience that my prayers have happened when I followed through with the 24hr fast. I really want this miracle to happen. Can God still bless me if you have a slip up? Any suggestions will be most helpful
I broke it 4 times but those times i did i prayed to God and asked for forgiveness. Then as a punishment for doing that i Fasted with no food for the hours i broke my fast so say i ate the “avoidable” foods on the list for like 1-4hrs the next day i said my prayer to God and i told him i “Father God i come to you to today for forgiveness for stepping out of my fast yesterday and today i will be Fasting for 4hrs as a punishment for stepping out of my Daniel Fasting. No Food shall touch my lips and so i don’t get too dehydrated i will only be allowed water for these 4hrs”…then i will close out my 4hr fasting and continue with my Daniel Fast.
Hi. I did the Daniel fast for 4 days and broke my fast. I dont know why I felt so discouraged on the 4th day that I gave into temptation. I hope to return to this journey as soon as possible. But I feel so demotivated, by everything that is happening around me.
Dearest Nicole,
Just a couple things that I hope will help you . . .
First, pause and have a “little meeting with yourself.” Learn from this experience. Think about what was going on when you made the conscious choice to step out of the boundaries of the fast. Discover the why. Look for the underlying reasons. And then consider what you will do “next time” so that you can do what you really want to do and stay on track. Don’t beat yourself up, but then also don’t just brush it off. Learn and discover so you can use this situation as a point of gain rather than loos.
Second, I encourage you to think about why you are fasting. What’s the result, the benefit, the gifts, and the growth that await you on your fast? Think of your fast as a journey that you’ve stepped into. You’re on your way to a destination. Keep your WHY in front of you all the time. Also, keep in mind that the Lord is with you on your journey. He’s boing to show you things, teach you lessons, give you insights, and shower you with revelations that can only be found when you spend this kind of focused time walking with Him.
Make sure you are well prepared for your fast. Plan and make your meals ahead of time. Keep them simple. And know for sure that God has so much He wants to show you during your personal retreat with Him as you enter into this powerful discipline of extended prayer and fasting.
I hope this helps . . .
Thank you for these wonderful God- inspired words of support. I fell off my third annual fast when I got a bad head cold after 15 successful days. I was too sick to make the meals and so very hungry for some reason.
When I get better I will ask God’s guidance as to whether I start again this year or wait until my next annual fast next February.
I have learned to be prepared better for all the ways the devil uses to cause its to fall.
I will make and freeze soups and other dishes next time… just in case.
Great thoughts, Catherine.
Yes, you always want to be in good health and in a good mindset to fast.
So great you can reflect on “next time.” We get better when we know better.
You may consider doing the fast on your own. Many people use the Daniel Fast for their method of fasting to begin the New Year, but thousands of women and men use the Daniel Fast for Lent or for other times in the year.
Be blessed and thanks for your message.
Hi.
I’m on day 18 of my fast, last night I was greatly discouraged and disappointed because I was discouraged about something I’m fasting for. I was so hurt, I told myself I’m done fasting.
But when I woke up this morning I felt greatly guilty for giving up when I’m so close.
Can I still continue with my fast?
Hi Raeesa,
First, I’m sorry for this late replay. We’re a little jumbled here. Thankfully we are catching up!
Yes, you can continue your fast. I hope you did. Just be sure to discover why you gave up, identify the triggers, and then plan what you will do “next time” you run into the temptation. Be blessed and thanks for your patience.
Hi good evening this is my proper Daniel fast that I have done and yes I must admit I felt a few changes in this fast but yes me too when I haven’t prayed properly I would ask God to understand me…
I then start praying three times In a row telling God how i apologize and asking God for more direction….
And make it up by fasting only on water the next day…
I’ve done well with the regards of eating untill 15th days and then the drinking of water the whole one day, then again I would fail and I’ve decided to eat mince and white rice I was so hungry bt again I feel the need to make up for this and continue my fast and show God my apologies by drinking strictly water the next day
….
Am I doing this correctly
Knowing that I want to continue fasting until the next the 6 days are over?
Hi. I’m a beginner and I’m doing the Daniel fasting. I am on my 2nd day. Honestly, I don’t know what I’m doing… I feel so lost. Somehow I feel like I am not prepared and my spirit kind of telling me stop and prepare myself better next time. I had an implant insertion and my period started just a day before I started fasting, I’m breastfeeding my 9 month baby and she’s a handful, I can’t focus and my emotions are all over the place. I kinder don’t feel bad about stopping on the 2nd day. I believe this has taught me to prepare myself better and know exactly what I need to fast for. I hope God knows my intentions where true. I was not ready.
Dearest Elize,
God knows your intentions. And He also knows there is a season for everything under heaven. Now that you know better, you can do better. So I hope you will enter the fast when the time is right. Also, you may want to modify the fast slightly since you are nursing a child. Simple adjustments such as adding eggs for breakfast and a serving of fish for dinner is totally acceptable. Your body is providing nourishment for you and your baby.
Be blessed and know for sure that God cherishes you.
Thank you sister Susan this blog is a major blessing to me. I am thinking about going on the Daniel fast because I need a miracle quick. And i also think it’s a great way to get to know God better. I fast once a week, but now I need bigger results for a major miracle I need to have happen. I am reluctant to go 28 days on a fast because, I have been diagnosed with bipolar and other things. I just don’t want to dissapoint myself or God if I slip up. I want the miracle to still happen. It has been my experience that my prayers have happened when I followed through with the 24hr fast. I really want this miracle to happen. Can God still bless me if you have a slip up? Any suggestions will be most helpful
I just began an Esther’s fast and had the worst argument with my husband.
I was extremely angry, I felt guilty. I have to break my fast and start afresh?
Hi Phoebe,
No, you don’t need to stop your fast. However, examine your heart. Do the right thing and allow God to lead you into handling the matter according to His ways.
Forgive yourself. Seek forgiveness from your husband. And learn the lesson about how you will handle the triggers that set off the anger the next time.
Be blessed. Know for sure that God is working in you!
Hi,
I’m new to fasting and I’m only on my second day. I don’t have a problem with avoiding choice foods, but I am tempted to break my fast because I’m limited on the resources. There isn’t enough fruit or vegetables at home and although I have asked for more to be bought, our household cannot afford to buy them so often because they are expensive. I feel discouraged because what I have now might not get me through my fast. I don’t work so I can’t buy myself anything. I’m worried I jumped into my fast before preparing fully, and I’m worried my circumstances might prevent me from completing my fasts.
Hi Anita,
First of all, it’s okay to restart your fast when you’re better prepared. That may be a wise decision for you. Don’t feel bad if you need to do that.
Second, I encourage you to keep your meals very simple. Many times for my fast, I eat beans and rice the whole time. Please watch this video to gain some understanding about the Daniel Fast and why it’s so important to keep the meals simple. Here is the link to the video I created:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1KSdyhNhOA&t=158s
Be blessed on your fast.
Today is my day 11 and I break my Daniel fasting. I was in my in-law kitchen. Her auntie invite me for the delicious meal , cook fish and law fish . I have no choice I have to accept what they have prepare for so I ate . When the time I got home I pray to God for his mercy.
I did 15 days of my DF fast, I’m actually proud of myself as a first timer and God loves me i love him
I really loved what you taught here. I became so discouraged through repeatedly breaking my fast, that I barely had the courage to start one again. But you have given me another perspective from your teaching, and I feel stronger and more determined to start and end successfully….Thank you!
I have been on the daniel fast for 3 1/2 days and I am currently breaking my fast as I am typing this message. I didn’t prepare myself properly far as buying the food I needed to last me throughout this special journey and I feel horrible but I also feel joyful because I became closer to GOD more than ever just in those days of fasting. I love the LORD and Jesus sooooo much that I will be back at it again!
Thank you! Wise advice. Helped me dig deep to analyze what was going on IN me!
Hi ive been into daniel fast for 10 days now and today i found out that powdered soup is not good for you and ive ate it tell me is this a form of cheat?
Hi Andrew,
When you know better you can do better. Keep going. But also, make sure you make the correction in your approach. Read labels. You’ll be shocked at what’s in a lot of packaged foods. Be blessed
I was on my last day of 21 days and I gave Into temptation after dinner. I feel so crushed that I let God down. All I had to do was go to bed and in the morning I would have made it.
First of all, you didn’t let God down. You let yourself down. Fasting is for us to draw nearer to God. To learn and grow from and with Him. Yes, you learned a valuable lesson. All you needed to do to mitigate against the temptation was to go to bed. To use a strategy to come against the temptation. Use the valuable lesson you learned for the next time your fast, but also for other times in your life. Don’t beat yourself up. Instead, learn. Grow. Be better.
And . . . be blessed.
Hello I’ve started to fat weeks ago and I am literally 4 days away I’ve done great with food but last Saturday I’ve given in into relations with a guy I’ve known and been snubbing for months:-( I feel worthless and sad and been crying ever since because I honestly don’t even care for the guy to take anything seriously which kills me even more, I’ve been single for a while because my ex isn’t a believer idk if it was the sex part or just the attention or me trying to force myself to move on mentally from my ex but this was a hugeeee mistake and now I don’t know what to do! help… sooo sadd and upset!
hello , I decided to do a 40 day Daniel fast that started on March 06 and ended on the 21st .. Easter Sunday. It was with an online ministry. However, they ate all foods on Sundays. I felt it wasn’t a true fast .. because of the Sunday’s off the fast and modified it so I could be on a complete 40 day .. so I started on the 13th. I had a very bad dizzy spell this morning .. vertigo type symptoms .. I also understand it cloud have been triggered by a lack of carbohydrates. My dad asked me to stop my fast as he is concerned for my health .. I am 17 days away from my goal ..I’m so close .. I really don’t want to stop .. but I do understand my dads perspective. What do you advise ?
Thanks that’s awesome advice
A few wks ago i did a 7 day fast. From sunrise to sunset. I did good and felt accomplished. Bcuz i knew God was with me thru it.. Many good things happened during the fasting and after.. Well now I’m facing other things in my life. Needing restoration in my relationship with my son..and my finance. Who is over seas.. Also many things goin on in my life.. I’m tryin to prepare to leave to go over seas..but havin finiacal difficulties.. I’m fasting again..to give my obedience in God.. I’m on day 2..with 3 more to go.. Prob is with everyday frustrations goin thru.. I almost feel at times i want to give up. But then i tell myself i can’t. That i did it before and can do it again.. And try my hardest to get my mind off things that r troubling me.. But for some reason this time.. I’m havin harder time coping with it. Even to point i cry..akin God to forgive me.. Yes i knows my heart and reason I’m doin this.. It just saddens me in my heart.. And not sure what to do.. I know i can finish it.. I just don’t want to feel this way daily. Ty. Sincerely. Constance
Lesson!. I definitely believe it is… I was taken out on a corprate party when i was tabled two sticks of roasted pork, i had to…. but that was a lesson, that no more parting during a daniel fast, still by God’s grace I continued and God still used me for his delievarence.
I begun my fast but about almost 3 hours in, I decided I should put it off for Sunday as I felt unprepared and unfocused, and I felt that Sunday will be more effective as i will be more ready. But I don’t know if that’s okay, to postpone it while I’m in the process, I don’t feel hungry or craving, never been a issue for me but I feel like I’m going about it all wrong, I want to read and prayer more first but I already commit to it. Can you give me some advice?
I am 4 days in my Daniel fast and I find I am unable to eat. This is not my first time doing this fast, so I did prepare. On day 1, I discovered a new and serious allergy to some of the foods I was able to eat last time. As I have a long list of food allergies, this has severally limited me. I am trying to continue this process, but have been unsuccessful in finding something on the acceptable food list that I can eat. I don’t have the funds to keep experimenting with the few remaining foods on the list that I haven’t tried. And I am barely functional when trying to work, pray, read the Word. I am very discouraged. I’m trying to hang on but don’t know if I can.
Shelly, what can you eat?
Fasting should never cause any harm. I encourage you to keep your meals very simple. Eat only foods that you can digest well and won’t cause your allergies to flair up. Be a minimalist for the fast.
The good news about this is that you will have a powerful opportunity to learn about your flesh as it craves foods or gets bored with the foods you’re eating. That’s ok. We’re called to crucify the flesh and live in Christ.
You will wrestle. But you will learn lessons that you may not have been able to learn otherwise.
I hope this helps!
I am so glad I read this article! I broke my fast and was feeling so GUILTY! Experiencing the effects made me feel as though I needed to stop. But NOW, it’s a new day! My fast concludes on 3/24
I am on Day 15 and would love to finish the fast. But last week I was sick to my stomach; my only “cleansing” seems to be through vomiting.
Ever since then I’ve had an increase in side effects to my usual (necessary) medication–more drowsiness, seeing double, feeling off balance. Yesterday I woke up with my head spinning for hours. It was scary. My husband is suggesting adding a few items with more protein (e.g. meat), while maintaining the rest of the fast. I don’t feel “tempted”… it would probably take effort. But I am concerned about trying to finish it by current rules.
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.
Hi Kimberlee, First of All God’s Blessings to you. I cheated a little bit too on my first week fasting like I drank a cup of coffee on the 2nd day because I had a horrible headache from caffeine withdrawal. The next day I started drink decaff coffee. By the 3rd or 4th day I drank only decaff coffee but actually stopped drinking coffee all together after that day.
I also cheated on the first week by eating whole wheat bread that had yeast in it because I wasn’t educated enough. Once I learned tho I quit eating bread all together because I couldn’t find any unleavened bread at any of the stores I checked, although I later found out I could of gotten some at trader Joe’s.
I did also cheat on the 2nd week by eating some homemade garlic bread I made for my kids. They had reg pasta and I had whole wheat pasta along with my homemade tomato sauce. It’s just I lost the fight to the flesh when I wanted to eat that garlic bread I made, I only had a very small piece tho. I also ate some white rice on the 2nd week even tho I knew better and should have eaten brown rice.
Over all tho I stuck to my guns and finished the Fast, Praise God!! I definitely leaned here and I also learned as I went along due to doing this at the last moment/minute decision and cold turkey without any preparing. My wife called me a religious nut and my friend called me crazy and said some other not supporting words when I shared my journey with him.
This has been a over all positive experience that I’ll definitely do again because God is totally worth it!! I actually just ended my 21 day Fast yesterday and I’m already feeling guilty for some of the foods I ate yesterday and today. My vegetarian Friend said I should consider not eating meat anymore, I told him I unfortunately wasn’t ready to give that up yet. My other friend said I should take it to 30 days because then it is a new habbit but again I wasn’t ready to do that yet.
I definitely grew closer to God and read my Bible more but I didn’t read it enough as I would like to have or as I should have. But God has been good to me and I am blessed. I feel much healthier and happier now too. I’m even trying to exercise more too now even tho it’s only going on walks with the dog or kids, etc. Thanks for taking the time to read this and have a wonderful day. ?
God’s Blessings,
Ron.
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.
Goodday All
We are on day 2 with my wife. We would appreciate your prayers, we need Spiritual revival and to be a God centered family.
You are in my prayers. Be blessed on your fast. Love God and love each other.
Hi Susan,
So my 21 day Daniel Fast ended yesterday. The first week was the hardest with no coffee as I did a cold turkey fast with no preparing for it. Had headaches on multiple day’s the first week while detoxing but after that they went away.
It was definitely a struggle watching people eat and drink the things I couldn’t but it was totally worth it because I serve a awesome God!! I’ll probably use what I learned to eat more healthy now considering I’ve lost about 15 pounds & my goal is 30 more. I also plan to start drinking half decaf coffee & green tea, skim or fat free milk. I’ve eaten black beans, chickpeas & even grapefruit which I’ve never liked lol ?
I’m going to try by best to retain some of the healthy eating habits. Because if God is for me, who can be against me. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Will some of the old habits creep back in, yes I’m sure they will. Will I eat pizza and other junk yes I’m sure I will.
But my motivation to eat healthy is I still want to lose another 25-30 pounds. I also want to obey God & give him all the Glory.
My blood pressure is better & I’m assuming my cholesterol levels should be better too. I’ve also read my Bible more which has been a struggle trying to get closer to God. He has also shown me thru the fast what I was doing wrong and what I need to do. I cheated a little bit on the Fast in the first and 2nd weeks due to not being prepared and also caving into flesh and temptations. I also didn’t read my Bible as much as I would of liked to or should have but I can still work on that. I may consider doing a water Fast next and even no food or water fast too. Gods been good to me!! Anyone did one themselves? Tia Ron ☺️
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.
I’m on my 5th day. We had Chinese take-out. The family, who aren’t fasting, had their normal meat dish. I had vegetables and tofu. The restaurant assured me It was completely vegetarian. After I finished mine I had some of my daughters lo mien noodles. I even asked my wife before and she said I’m sure it’s fine. I was thinking it was ok because it wasn’t meat. I should’ve looked it up first!!! I’m reading those noodles aren’t ok for this now mainly because they are often made with egg!
What do I do now?
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.
Hi on the 6th day of fasting I met old friends and ended up drinking beer and smoking weed cause I was alone and lonely so I went out but after reading this posts I will dust myself up and continue with the fast…..thanks………
Please help on what to do
That’s what to do, Wesley. Keep moving forward.
Also, unpack why you chose to temporarily break the fast. You can discover a lot of valuable lessons about yourself.
Be blessed and thanks for your post.
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?