Daniel Fast – Why 21 days?
The 21-day fast represents the persistency that was necessary for a breakthrough, a change and an answer. Demonic forces were resisting Daniel and his prayers for Israel. You need more than what a short burst of prayer can bring, or a temporary victory against the enemy. You need permanent breakthrough and, often, it takes a period of reoccurring days to make an impact in spiritual territory.
Daily persistence in prayer, in authority, and in faith is a biblical key to unlocking the promises of God and pushing resistance back. We get permanent breakthroughs when we persist through the full period of petition, supplication, faith, warfare, and confrontation.
The prince of Persia (demonic resistance) was resisting the prayers of Daniel because it meant freedom for Israel. Michael, the angelic prince of Israel, had to come and assist his angel in getting the answer through to Daniel.
- What’s resisting you and your prayers?
- How long will this go on, if you don’t confront it with fasting and prayer?
You and I must realize that our prayers empower angelic beings to do warfare on behalf of the Kingdom of God. We want that warfare to be consistent. Daniel knew the power of passionate, persistent prayer and sacrificial fasting for a 21-day period.