Hard Research Calls for True Bible Knowledge and Fasting: What We Can Learn From the One Who Rises Above Us

 I did some research recently, and look what popped up. The so-called Daniel fast. 

For YEARS, I believed the lie that the fact that when Daniel and his three Jewish friends avoided the pagan food from the kings table, that they turned it into a fast "found in chapter 10." Not so FAST!

The idea came from the four Jewish men having nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. This was turned into a fast for approximately three weeks. The idea is that you fast and go on a diet eating nothing but vegetables and having nothing to drink but water. This first of all, is UNHEALTHY! 

Next, people get chapter 10 confused with what I just mentioned. 

Here are some detailed thoughts from the Bible itself: Daniel 10:1-3 NIV

In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia, a revelation was given to Daniel (who was called Belteshazzar). Its message was true and it concerned a great war. The understanding of the message came to him in a vision. [2] At that time I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. [3] I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over.

Daniel 1:8-16 NIV

But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. [9] Now God had caused the official to show favor and compassion to Daniel, [10] but the official told Daniel, “I am afraid of my lord the king, who has assigned your food and drink. Why should he see you looking worse than the other young men your age? The king would then have my head because of you.” [11] Daniel then said to the guard whom the chief official had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, [12] “Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. [13] Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see.” [14] So he agreed to this and tested them for ten days. [15] At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food. [16] So the guard took away their choice food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables instead.

Let's close with three biblical concepts: 

1. Seek God's guidance and consult your doctor or physician before you just "fast like this." 

We should not take counsel from man without consulting by prayer the Great Physician first and foremost. Be careful. 

2. Read Scripture with your mind and soul and heart open 

Sit with God with your Bible a notebook and a pen. I suggest praying before beginning this second step. Be mindful and write down God's responses to any questions you may have about what you are reading. If you have a digital journal, write it down so you don't forget. 

3. Go deeper into meaningful conversations with God and others

As you go about you day, what is one thing you might want or that God might want you to take away from this reading and how can you apply it to your life? 

Said differently, what can you do to show others the Truth in God's Word today?