Day 2: True Fasting

Day 2 of my first Daniel Fast.

I've read a bit to learn the whats & whys of a Daniel fast. In Daniel 1:12 Daniel requests, "Give us nothing but vegetables (the original word that we translate "vegetables" meant things that come from the seeds) and water to drink."

I've decided if Daniel were in my shoes today he'd add cold medicine to that list. And so begins my fast: veggies, whole grains, fruit...and a side of cold medicine.

On day 1, I already started dreaming of food...pizza & chocolate cookies to be exact. I know I'm a food lover, but I had no idea how many times a day I think of food. It's relentless. I'm doing my best to turn each thought of food into a prayer...for God's presence, His blessings on our church, for just plain more of Him and less of me.

A month ago, when I heard about the fast, I came across a passage that I felt like God wanted me to focus on during these 21 days. It's Isaiah 58 and it's titled "True Fasting." I've been reading it over & over again. There are so many good things in there to dwell on. I love the way the notes at the bottom of my Life Application Study Bible sum it up...

"...Fasting can be beneficial spiritually and physically, but at it's best fasting helps only the person doing it. God says he wants our serivce to go beyond our own personal growth to acts of kindness, charity, justice, and generosity. True fasting is more than what we don't eat; it is pleasing God by applying his Word to our society."

I love that.

As much as I want to be personally changed during this fast and as much as I want God to pour out wisdom, direction & spiritual growth in my life, I also want to see God work through me to reach the world...to love the world...to change the world for His glory.


God, use this fast to open our eyes to the world around us. Use our lives and our faith to love the hurting in ways we never have. Use our hands to help those who need your help. Use us to pour out more of who you are into people that are desperate for hope. Bring opportunities into our daily paths to put our love for you into action.


Time for more cold medicine & a banana ...
Jen