What Happens When You Fast? Day-Two Devotional Series

Daniel and his three friends were captured and brought to Babylon for a “training program.” They were to become managers for Babylon over the Jewish people who had been captured. Part of their training was a special Babylonian diet, while they experienced the Babylonian culture, i.e., dress, daily activities, entertainment, etc.

Daniel and his three friends asked to be excused from the meal table. Notice they were not belligerent, nor did they threaten, nor did they rebel. They asked kindly. “But Daniel was determined not to defile himself by eating the food and wine given to them by the king. He asked the chief of staff for permission not to eat these unacceptable foods” (Daniel 1:8, NLT).

Why did they not want to eat the Babylonian food? Perhaps it was offered to Babylonian idols, and their eating would have been a sign of their compromised with idols. Perhaps the wine was intoxicating which would have violated their Jewish practice.

Also the food may have been non-Kosher meat that would have violated the Jewish dietary laws. Whatever the reason, Daniel knew the king’s food was off limits to him and his three friends.

The Daniel Fast was not just a dietary choice, but a spiritual choice. Many good things will happen when you are fasting. Sometimes you may lower your blood pressure, or your cholesterol, or you may lose weight. While these are good, it is not the primary focus of your fasting. Rather, you are fasting for a spiritual purpose, for God to show Himself mighty in the coming election.

Think of some of the things that could happen to you spiritually in the next ten days. First, you may reevaluate your life in light of God’s purpose for you and your body. Second, you may break some bad eating habits or food choices which will restore you to better health. Third, you will join with millions of others to be a part of a national revival. But fourth, you build up your self-control.

When you take control of your body by fasting, you begin to take control of your inner person.

Many people who join in the Daniel Fast testify that they are closer to God than any other time in their life. Why? Because they are obeying God every minute of the day.

When you are fasting, you will probably be aware of your stomach growling at times throughout the day. Every time you say, “No!” to the hunger pangs of your body, you are telling God, “Yes.” So when you are fasting and see a pizza on television, immediately pray for the election of God’s man as President of the United States. And when you see a big juicy hamburger, immediately pray for government officials who will best govern your state legislators.

There is a final result you get when you choose to fast. It leads you to worshiping God. Every time you put God first in your life, you put Him on the throne of your heart, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matt. 6:33, NKJV) – by Elmer Towns©

-My Time to Pray-

• Lord, be glorified in my body during my Daniel Fast.

• Lord, show me how to pray for the election of the President of the United States.

• Lord, clear my mind regarding the issues and help me see eternal values in this election.

• Lord, _____________________________________________.

If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:

Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.

To email Dr. Towns - eltowns@liberty.edu.