Why Fast

What Happened to Daniel When He Fasted?

    1.    Spiritual Strength and Understanding

During his fast, Daniel received spiritual revelations. In Daniel 10:12-14, an angel visited him, explaining that his prayers were heard from the first day he humbled himself before God. However, the angel faced spiritual opposition, revealing the unseen spiritual warfare occurring during Daniel’s fast.

    2.    Wisdom and Favor

In Daniel 1, his earlier decision to abstain from the king’s rich foods and consume only vegetables and water resulted in God blessing him and his friends with greater wisdom, understanding, and health than all others in the king’s court.

    3.    Encouragement and Strength

Though weakened by fasting, Daniel was strengthened through divine encounters. An angel reassured him and gave him the strength to continue fulfilling God’s purpose (Daniel 10:18-19).

Why Did Daniel Fast?

    1.    To Seek God’s Guidance and Understanding

Daniel fasted to gain insight into visions and prophecies concerning the future of Israel (Daniel 9:2-3). His fast was an act of humility and dependence on God for clarity.

    2.    Intercession for His People

Daniel fasted and prayed to intercede for the sins of Israel, asking for God’s mercy, forgiveness, and restoration of His people (Daniel 9:4-19).

    3.    Devotion and Commitment to God

Daniel’s fast was a reflection of his unwavering dedication to God. He sought to honor God by abstaining from foods that would defile him (Daniel 1:8) and by setting himself apart for spiritual purposes.

Applications for Today

    1.    Seeking God’s Guidance

Like Daniel, fasting can be a way to seek clarity and direction from God during important decisions or challenging times.

    2.    Intercession for Others

Fasting can be used as a powerful tool for praying on behalf of others—whether for family, community, or nation—demonstrating humility and dependence on God.

    3.    Spiritual Discipline and Focus

In a world full of distractions, fasting helps believers refocus on God, cultivating a deeper relationship with Him and aligning themselves with His will.

    4.    Engaging in Spiritual Warfare

Just as Daniel’s fast revealed spiritual battles, fasting today can heighten spiritual sensitivity and reinforce faith during times of struggle or adversity.

Daniel’s story reminds us that fasting isn’t just about abstaining from food but about drawing closer to God, seeking His will, and allowing Him to work powerfully in our lives.

In Biblical Numerology, The Number 25 means: The English phrases "twenty and five" and "five and twenty," used for the number 25, is recorded 41 times in 37 King James Bible verses. The Old Testament writings that use the phrases the most are Ezekiel (25 times) followed by 2Chronicles (6) then 2Kings (4). Only the New Testament book of John has the phrases occur just once. The number 25 symbolizes in the Bible "grace upon grace." It is composed of 20 (meaning redemption) and five (grace) or grace multiplied (5 x 5).

Prayer

2025 New Year