Daniel 1:8 (NKJV)

But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

One very popular fast that many practice is what is referred to as the “Daniel Fast” in which, broadly, the participant abides by the dietary regulations given by Moses in the Law.

I see no problem with this and applaud those who practice this.

However, there is a certain irony that occurs to me–“the Daniel Fast” was not a fast for Daniel and his friends, it was just their lifestyle. They were not eliminating the “king’s portion” for a few days for spiritual reasons and then planning on going back to their old eating habits, they were planning to never eat the king’s portion.

For Daniel and his friends, what was at stake was a worldview, a lifestyle.

I suspect there is a lesson in there for you and me.

• Prayer: Oh Father, help me to come through this season of fasting changed forever. “Business as usual” will not do. There were lifestyle choices “BMF” (Before my fast) that I must not go back to. If I am going to be the person you have ordained me to be I must cut myself loose from the old ways and embrace your ways. Please give me the strength and wisdom to do this. I am not going back, this fast is about permanent changes.

Luke 17:32 (NKJV)

Remember Lot’s wife.