I recently took time to study the book of Daniel, and it was nothing short of powerful.
Beyond the familiar story of the lion’s den or the fiery furnace, I saw something deeper—a lifestyle that carried uncommon favour, wisdom, deliverance, and divine promotion.
What stood out to me most was this:
Daniel and his three friends lived a life of fasting—and it changed everything.
What Daniel’s Fast Taught Me
Daniel and his friends didn’t live like everyone else. They chose to consecrate themselves.
When everyone else was indulging in the king’s rich food and wine, they respectfully declined.
They chose instead to eat only fruits and vegetables. No fancy meals. No delicacies.
It wasn’t a total fast—it was a decision to stay clean, focused, and aligned with God.
And the results?
- Favor
- Wisdom
- Promotion
- Supernatural deliverance
Fasting Is More Than Just Skipping Food
Let’s be real—when we hear the word “fast,” many people immediately think of not eating at all. And yes, fasting often involves food. But what I’ve learned is that true fasting is deeper than that.
It’s about consecration—setting yourself apart for a period of time to seek God more deeply.
It’s a choice to pull away from distractions and feed your spirit.
To pause the noise and tune into God’s voice.
To deny your flesh and nourish your faith.
Different Types of Fasting (And Why They All Matter)
Here are a few common types of fasts that people practice:
1. Dry Fast
- No food, no water (for short, intense spiritual focus)
2. Water Fast
- Only water, no food (common for detox and deeper spiritual clarity)
3. Fruit or Vegetable Fast (Like Daniel)
- No meat or processed food, just fruits, vegetables, and natural meals
4. Partial Fast
- Fasting from food during specific hours of the day (e.g. 6am–6pm)
5. Soul Fast
- Fasting from distractions like social media, entertainment, or conversations that pull you away from God
The point of fasting isn’t starvation.
It’s alignment.
It’s discipline.
It’s devotion.
What Happens When You Live a Life of Fasting
I don’t mean you should go without food every day of your life. That’s not what I’m saying at all.
But I do believe we are called to live a fasted life—a lifestyle of consecration.
A heart posture that says:
- “God, I choose You over comfort.”
- “I will make time for You, even when life is busy.”
- “I will guard my thoughts, my words, my actions.”
- “I want to be set apart for Your use.”
When you live like this—even imperfectly—things begin to shift.
Just like Daniel, you start to walk in:
1. Favor
People will begin to notice you, even when you don’t try to be noticed.
2. Wisdom
God will give you insight beyond your years. You’ll know things others don’t, simply because you’ve been in His presence.
3. Promotion
Doors will open. Not because you forced them, but because God honours obedience and humility.
4. Deliverance
You’ll be protected from traps. You’ll come out of impossible situations without harm. You’ll experience peace in the fire.
Living the Fasted Life Daily
So what does it look like practically?
It’s in the small decisions:
- Choosing prayer over gossip
- Pausing social media for quiet time with God
- Saying no to temptation when no one’s watching
- Fasting one meal a week just to honor God
It’s not about perfection. It’s about intention.
Bible Verses That Encourage This Lifestyle
Here are a few scriptures to hold onto as you choose to live differently:
- “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself…” – Daniel 1:8
- “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do…” – Matthew 6:16
- “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” – James 4:8
- “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.” – Matthew 5:6
Final Thoughts
Fasting isn’t about starving your body—it’s about feeding your spirit.
It’s not about showing off—it’s about going deeper.
It’s not about one event—it’s about a lifestyle.
And when you choose to live a fasted life—not perfectly, but sincerely—you’ll begin to walk in a different kind of grace.
A Daniel kind of favor.
A Daniel kind of wisdom.
A Daniel kind of deliverance.
A Daniel kind of promotion.
So start where you are. Consecrate yourself. Pull away from the noise.
And let God do what only He can do through a life that’s surrendered.
What You Can Do Next:
- Comment below: What kind of fast have you tried before—or want to try?
- Share this post with someone who’s longing to go deeper in their walk with God
- Read more posts like this:
May you live a life of consecration, filled with favour, wisdom, and the power of God. 🙏
Not just in one season, but every day.
