Throughout history and even today, fasting – the abstinence from food and/or water – has been practiced in a religious context such as Moslem. Many years ago I was invited to join a group of ladies doing a Daniel Fast. I was not familiar with a Daniel Fast! I learned that a Daniel Fast involved eating no meat, alcohol, rich food, or dairy products but encourages vegetables, fruits and legumes. This was like a vegan diet, which was very familiar to me. We also were to commit to eating only one meal a day, plus water and praying twice daily at 7:00 am and at 7:00 pm.  Ah…only one meal a day! I thought that was impossible! I love to eat and I love to cook. How could I tolerate the hunger pain? 

One week prior to the starting date I began praying. My prayer was for God to help me to overcome the hunger pain, to convince me that I could do this Daniel Fast in early January of that year. Two days prior to starting the fast I felt at peace and was convinced that I could do it. The Daniel Fast began. The first four days I experienced hunger pains that took place between 10:00 am and 11:00 am but I strongly had no desire to eat. I truly felt the Holy Spirit showered me with a strength I had never experienced before in my life. We completed the 21 day Daniel Fast and I felt really good physically, mentally, and spiritually.

King David said “I humbled my soul with fasting.” Psalm 69:10

In Counsels on Diet and Food, page 187 Ellen G. White states, “Fasting/fervent prayer to God have moved the Lord to unlock His treasure.”

What did I learn from the Daniel Fast?

*Spiritually the Bible reminded me fasting was a way to humble ourselves in the sight of God. It was truly a spiritual discipline and filled my spiritual dryness. I was hungry for clarity of mind and began relying on God more fully for strength as HE was the source of my strength. I learned to say “No” to my body and disconnected my desire as I was fasting and connected with God in prayer. Combining fasting and praying helped me to yield my will to His will.

*Physically and mentally I felt a sense of overall well being and rejuvenation. I was much more alert and had more energy.  

Dr. James and Phyllis Balch, in Prescription Nutrition Healing, describe that during fasting the body uses its energy to repair the body’s cells instead of digesting food to improve general health. Cardiovascular risk factors decreased including blood pressure, excess body weight, and metabolic disorders.¹

To those who are planning and interested in fasting, do work with your health care provider to determine the type and length of fasting that is safe for you.

Fasting has both spiritual and physical benefits which can lead us to a greater realization of our dependence upon God. He alone is our source of health and salvation.

 

Yin Schaff, Health Ministries Coordinator

 

Reference
1. James Balch and Phyllis Balch, Prescription for Nutritional Healing (Garden City Park, New York: Avery Publishing Group Inc., 1990), p. 325