Prepare for your fast

By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.
Benjimin Franklin

My number one purpose in teaching about the Daniel Fast is to guide people into a successful fasting experience. The blessings, insights, and revelations you gain during your time of extended prayer and fasting can be life-changing. I am often moved to tears when I read letters from women and men telling me about the miracles and blessings they’ve experienced on the fast.

My heart sinks when I hear from people who have abandoned the fast and feel like they’ve failed themselves and failed God. And without any doubt, the primary reason for breaking the fast is because they didn’t prepare. Instead, so many people just jump in and try to go for it. It’s like never training for a marathon and starting the race anyway!

Preparing for your fast is part of the fast. When you prepare you’re in a period of expectation and anticipation. The time can be joyful and spiritually charged. So that’s why I want to give you some tips about preparing for your fast.

Learn about the fast: The truth is, there is a lot of erroneous information “out there” about the Daniel Fast. I didn’t invent the fast, but I have been teaching about it since 2007. I’m not saying this pridefully, but I really don’t think there is another person who has researched, taught, and written about the fast more than me. I strongly encourage you to learn about the Daniel Fast so you stay healthy and can tap into the powerful benefits of this spiritual experience. The bestselling book is The Daniel Fast: feed your soul, strengthen your spirit, and renew your body. It’s available wherever books are sold. You can also find it in many local and church libraries. Includes a complete cookbook and daily devotional.

Decide when you will fast: Most people use the fast for 21 consecutive days. Some use the Daniel Fast for as few as seven days or as many as 40. Even now, as you look into the beginning of the New Year, plan the day you will begin your fast. Look at your calendar and events that might come up. Plan ahead for them so you are ready. Also, in the book I cover those times when you may need to “push the pause button” on your fast and how to successfully and faithfully navigate those times.

Establish your purpose for your fast: Fasting is a time to be highly focused on one or two specific areas of your life. Do you have financial pressures? Issues with relationships? Do you want to learn more about prayer, worship, or developing your faith? Open your heart to God for your NOW experience. You will draw nearer to Him. And as you study His Word and use other study mateirals, you will learn, grow and enter into a powerful time of transformation. Blessings. Answers. Growth. Love. They all await you!

My prayer is that your upcoming fast will be one that “knocks your socks off” because it’s such a blessing for you. I hope your fast is so powerful that you experience an abundance of love and care from your loving Father. Your 2016 Daniel Fast has the potential to be life-altering for you and for those brought to your heart for prayer. I hope you are already excited about what’s to come!

Preparation is a big part of your success! Plan to succeed.