Fasting Day 21: How To Successfully End Your Fast
Congratulations! You made it! You’re on the very last day of your fast! Did you ever think it would go by so quickly?!
I’m proud of you for persevering to the end. I’ve received a few messages from fasters who struggled and contemplated throwing in the towel. But God reminded them this is a marathon, not a sprint; if you fall, you can get back up and run to the finish line. And now…here you are! A few hours away from the finish line! Let’s finish well!
How to End Your Fast Physically
If you’ve been on a full fast for twenty-one days, be careful how you reintroduce food to your system. Most people who are otherwise healthy should be able to return to normal eating within one week of a twenty-one day fast.
There is a period of adjustment, though. This is because two things have happened to the digestive system during a prolonged fast.
- The stomach has been slowly shrinking. By the end of the fast, the stomach’s capacity for food is nothing like it was at the beginning. Even the smallest amount of food can make you feel full.
- The organs in the body that are usually involved with assimilating food have taken a rest. You could think of it as if the organs have gone into a kind of sleep which became deeper as the fast was extended.
Therefore, when you break your fast, be careful:
- How much you eat
- What you eat
- How you eat it
Give your stomach time to return to normal size and the digestive organs time to “wake up” fully.
When breaking a fast, some foods are more suitable than others. A fast of great length is best broken with fruit or vegetable juices, if possible freshly squeezed or juiced. Some consider citrus fruits to be the best. However, if you live where citrus fruits are imported, this is not the best option as they’re often picked unripe and the juice can be too acidic. Watermelon juice is excellent, as is tomato, grape or apple juice.
Start with a small quantity, diluted if necessary. Drink it every two to three hours the first day. Increase the quantity gradually and you’ll soon be able to take the fruit itself. At this point, milk can be taken. Milk in the form of yogurt taken with fruit would be beneficial.
Gradually return to regular eating with several small snacks during the first few days. Start with a little soup and fresh fruit such as watermelon and cantaloupe. Advance to a few tablespoons of solid foods such as raw fruits and vegetables or a raw salad and baked potato.
Fresh salad (no dressing), vegetable soups (no fat), and cooked vegetables may be included at this point, always starting with a small amount of anything new and gradually increasing.
Next, you could include a little toasted bread with a small slice of butter, but no cakes, pastries or cookies. Starchy foods are not good at this stage. Introduce protein first in the form of cheese or eggs (or Greek yogurt), with fish and meat last of all.
Eat slowly; chew thoroughly. Chew your food well so that it is reduced to liquid before swallowing. When you begin to feel full, stop eating.
Rest as much as you can during the period of reintroducing food to your system. It will let your body concentrate on digestion and assimilation. Try not to become too active too soon.
How to End Your Fast Spiritually
Although you can relax physically, do not relax spiritually! You can’t afford to. Your enemy, the devil, prowls like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8-9). You must remain alert and vigilant. The “thief” will be on the prowl to steal the increased intimacy with Christ you’ve gained during your fast.
No doubt, as you’ve fasted and subjected your flesh to the Spirit, your spiritual ears have become more alert to the voice of the Holy Spirit. Consequently, you’re now far more sensitive to even the smallest disobedience and sin in your life…maybe even things you used to do on a daily basis that grieved Him and quenched His presence. Satan will now try to get you to cater to your flesh once again. He’ll try to clog your spiritual hearing and get you back into areas of disobedience and unyieldedness. Oh it will be subtle all right. It won’t even seem like it’s happening. After all, eating returns to normal…why not everything else? Be careful! Be alert! Be intentional! Be disciplined, fellow soldier. Stay disciplined in your prayer time and pursuit of God. Stay disciplined in your submission and quick obedience to the Lord.
How Do You Plan to Keep Fasting a Part of Your Lifestyle?
I’m so glad that you joined Pursuit 21 and engaged in the life-changing principle of fasting! Please note, though, that a single fast is not a spiritual cure-all. Just as we need fresh infillings of the Holy spirit daily, we also need fresh times of fasting. Consider a 24-hour fast each week or fasting the first two days of the month. I encourage you to pray about it today and make a commitment as to how you plan to keep fasting a part of your lifestyle. It will be hard to make this decision once you get back into old routines of eating. Pray about it now, while the spiritual benefits of fasting are fresh on your mind and in your spirit. When God leads you as to what your regular fasting commitment should be, put it on your calendar — just as you would schedule a meeting for work, a spouse’s anniversary, or ladies, your hair appointment. When it’s on your calendar, it’s commitment to be kept, not a contingency that can be cancelled.
If You Feel You Failed
It takes time to build your fasting muscles. If you failed to make it through this first fast, do not be discouraged! You may have simply gotten over zealous and bitten off more than you could chew in terms of choosing too extreme of a fast for your first time out. (Try beginning with a partial fast or Daniel fast. Then on your next fast, go on a full fast for one day. Then possibly fast for three days on your fast after that. God will lead you and enable you to succeed. Don’t give up!) Or you may need to strengthen your resolve. As soon as possible, undertake another fast until you do succeed. Even if it is just for one day — or one week. God will honor you for your faithfulness.
Your Testimony
Are you glad that you fasted? If so, why? What positive benefits have you already experienced? I would love for you to share about your experience. (Feel free to share in the comments or the fasting testimony page). I realize that not all effects of a fast will be immediate. Many benefits will be experienced all year long this year, next year, and the years to come. However, if your fasts are anything like mine, something in the spirit has already changed as a result of your fast. Something in the natural man broke. And for some people, God has already given answers to prayer!
Your fasting testimony will encourage me, but more importantly, it will give glory to God and encourage others in their own seasons of fasting and prayer.
Question: How do you plan to keep fasting a part of your lifestyle this year?
FROM THE FASTING ARCHIVES
- Reigning Through Prayer (Part 2): Joining Jesus at the Throne of Intercession
- Praise God in Advance: The Fasting-Praising Connection
- Fasting Day 21: If Not for the Hungry Handmaid
- Fasting Day 21: Healing Oil
- Fasting Day 21: You’re Already All I Need (Worship by Christy Nockels)
- Fasting Day 21: A Closing Prayer
- Fasting Day 21: Why Does God Reward Fasting?
- Fasting Day 21: Returning in Power, Part 6
- Returning in Power Audio Message
- Fasting Day 21: Shout!
- Shout Audio Message
- Fasting Day 21: Kings and Priests
- The I Am … For Your Every Need (2): Praise Party
- The I Am … For Your Every Need (3): Action Point
- Five Ways to Use the Praise Series (The Names & Attributes of God)
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, Shades of Grace will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
“Natalie Grace Nichols is experiencing God’s grace and freely expressing it. My wife, Betty, and I thank God for the ministry of Jesus through Natalie.”
“I’m so thankful that God is raising up women like Natalie for a new generation, providing biblically balanced teaching, encouragement, and comfort for people who are enduring life’s trials.”
After fasting 18 days I feel the righteousness of christ shining like the noon day sun, and my worship is very very intense with heavy awareness and fire.
I am finishing a 50 days ( 21 days on dry and 29 on salad from 6pm) fast today at 6pm. Glory be to GOD Almighty. What I thought was impossible has been accomplished by His Grace and through the Power of the Holy Ghost and the Cleansing Blood of the Lamb. Spiritually I have entered a higher dimension by His Mercy. I can Hear God clearly , I can see clearly in the spirit. I am grateful Father. Physically, I am now fit and whole. My body has been renewed. I have received a brand new body. Its reminding me my 20’s. I have lost 15kg and sickness has vanished for ever in my life. Glory be to GOD. My prayer is the grace to keep and use these precious gifts that I have received. Thanks you Lord Jesus! I am really a brand new person in Christ!
AMEN !! PRAISE GOD !! TO GOD BE ALL THE GLORY !! I AM SO GLAD BROTHER FOR YOUR TESTIMONY. OUR GOD IS TREMENDOUSLY AWESOME, GOD WILL USE YOU AN AN INSTRUMENT..AND HE WILL KEEP YOU ALWAYS ON HIS HANDS… GODBLESS YOU ALWAYS.BRO.
BLESSINGS,
SIS.CIZZIE BOSS
Good day sir. Did you say 21 days dry? No food and no water?
Glory to God, I am happy for you.
No one can go without water for 21 Days. They can with food but not without water. I hate when people post none sense.
Today is my 21st day of fast. I have been through so many trials ever since i started my fast there were times when i wanted to give up but i trusted god and continued. I know god will come through for me in the areas i have been praying for. God is good. I feel lighter and closer to god than i have ever been.
I have finished my 21 days fast today. I feel renewed, happy, blessed and very close to my GOD. Could not ask for more. I believe this is a new beginning of my spiritual life and that of my family. Surely its a good thing to do through Christ who strengthens us. My prayers have also been answered. Looking forward to my new life. GOD BLESS YOU ALL
I'm on a 42 day fast nothing but vegtable juice and different herb teas. That's it. Came upon your site and am thrilled.
Just finish my very 1st 21 day fast. (Just water apple juice and cranberry juice.) It was amazing. My spiritual ears were opened. My rest at night was unbelievably sound. Never felt so close to my father. This will not be my last. I fell on this page when searching out ways to break my fast. The particular part that stood out for me was to continue by picking my commitment days to fast per month. Thank you for that.
Thanks, India! I'm glad the post was helpful! I join you in praising God for what He did through your fasting and prayer.
I’ve fasted for 40 days and today is my last day. I never felt so closed God and filled with the Holy Spirit. I can’t explain or put into words. I plan to repeat this every year.
How do you deal with your period in fasting that long? I have wanted to do that but feel every time i have my period I fail. I physically get ill and horrible headache.
I am glad I took this step of faith. Today is my 21st day of prayer and fasting which was my first ever. I thank God, for now I can hear the Holy Spirit speak to me and direct my steps. I have seen the hand of God throughout my fast. The devil tried to discourage me severely, but Jesus won him over. And now I am here praising His Holy name. Thank you Jesus, and I want fasting to be my new lifestyle from now onward. Amen
I like this post on fasting. thanks and God bless you.
I just finished my 3day partial fast. I thank God for clarity, understanding, am filled with great joy and so amazed how God can answer prayers in such a short space of time. Now, Praise and Glory be into our God forever and ever
Congratulations on beginning your journey of fasting.
Today is my 16 days and planning to complete after 21 days. I experience some disturbances but that will not stop me. Taking water and fruits as it is my first fasting and pray. Pray for me to complete this journey. God bless
Because you experience disturbances during this fast means that you had a great breakthrough to receive at the end. I'm sure your fast has already been completed but I pray that for your future fast's,that the Almighty God would bring every disturbance that comes your way under subject to His will & that the Spirit of the Lord would LIFT A STANDARD against the enemy and his schemes. I declare you would make it through any fast you set your heart to do. Walk in the obedience of Christ and submit your all unto Him. You would make it.
Just finished my 21days fast today. 14 days on water and 7 days cransberry juice or green tea once a day but have been vomiting whatever I take today am failing to swallow any liquid not even water please advise. I feel I spent much time trying to equalise my body than I spent praying.
Thank you Lord, 13 hours left for me to complete my 3 days dry fast. Sometimes I feel like giving up, but the mercy of God keeps me going. First time taking a 3 days dry fast. I needed God’s interventions in my live, and my only option was to seek him spiritually. And I am glad I did. Thank you Jesus, let your name be glorify.
On my 2nd 21 day fast in 3 years of water only. First time was a breeze. I was able to be active still all the way to the end. Day 9-11 were rough but ok. This time once day 9-11 came it’s been really rough. Stark difference from last time. God is telling me I need to take better care of my temple. A tough way to learn but I am listening. Thank you for this post and I am looking forward to day 21. Day 13 now.
Well done brother.
I have been on a 3 day Daniel fast which means only tea, water and fruits. I have also been off social media for a while now so that helps. My body and spiritual life feels better. I feel God's presence more than ever before and I have seen fruits of the spirit bearing in my life. Plus I feel wiser now. Hope it Continues like this. I fast once a week regularly . God is a good God. Let us continue to serve him. He is worthy
I am now completely an absolute fast (3 days with only water). I have done other fasts before (started off doing partial fasts upgrading to other types; dry etc) and I must say THE LORD KEEPS YOU.
I want to encourage folks that in fasting once you decide to do it OR the Lord called you to do it, YOU WILL MAKE IT. Your heart and mind needs to be made up to do it. Sometimes it is difficult and other times a breeze but hold on no matter What.
Know that at the end of every fast is a blessing (whether breakthrough, deliverance, financial, increase in knowledge, wisdom OR spiritual gifting). KNOW THAT THE ENEMY DOESN'T WANT YOU TO RECEIVE IT. With that being said that should be one of your motivator's. To reach the end of your fast, receive your blessing and then laugh in the Devil's face and say "Ha, you didn't want me to reach it BUT I DID.
I have finished 21 days water fasting, praise to our God. it wasn’t easy for me. I had consistent stomach pain because my stomach produce a lot of gastro acids, especially few days before I finished my fasting. I don’t know how I did it. It must be the Lord. Now I felt so renewed like brand new. I’m very alert in the spirit, I knew that the Lord needed more of me and I gave him all of me. Thank you so much. Your website has been great encouragement in this moment of my life so helpful. God bless you.
I thank God for leading me to fast this year again. This is my third 21 days of fasting. It’s been good and today is my second days of that 21 days. The Lord pushes me to drink water only this year I know I will make it through his spirit. Every time I fast like that God changes me and being able to discern more of his spirit and He uses me so much through my ministry.
Greetings in Jesus', Name! I just stumbled upon this page as today, 22January 2020, marks 21 days of the Daniel fast. Yes, my husband and I have persevered to the end! My testimony is that last year I couldn't get my husband who is a minister of the Gospel, to join me and hence we experienced quite a challenging year in our marriage. But I remained resolute and have been preparing for 2020 by praying to the Lord to humble him. Prayers were gradually answered from around October so much so that when I told him that he needs to prepare for our prayer-fast for 21 days right after New Year's, he never quarreled or objected but quietly consented! During the fast, the Lord took away something that he used to spend a lot of time with and that something has truly humbled him! We have been praying more often together and I have commended him highly for his loyalty to the fast as he has joined me in abstaining from sexual intercourse, pleasantries in foods, etc. and it's just been home/ work/ church and continual prayers.
We have both been receiving much grace to deal negative situations at the work place, etc.
I bless God for seeing us through as it was a truly marvelous time of peace and a heightened sensitivity! My spirit man feels light and though I've lost weight, it feel really heathy!
I DECLARE THAT EVERY TONGUE SHALL CONFESS THAT HE IS LORD AND EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW!
This is my first time in my Christian life to fast for 21 days. We will be ending our 21 Days of fast on Sunday, January 26, 2020. I feel spiritually energized and ready for battle.
Glory to God for day 20 of my fast. The last few hours have been very challenging as all of these foods I love and crave are stuck in my head. This has truly been a great experience and I will definitely be doing this throughout the year as a 3 or 7 day fast. The devil attacked me through my dreams after about a week of fasting. He was trying to get me to conform to this sinful and corrupt life, but I had to quickly rebuke him upon waking up. I have a double blessing on the way and the devil will not cause me to miss it! I have been so faithful and I’m so proud of myself. For the first time in my life, I have made a great sacrifice to show God that I am worthy and appreciative of his vivid understanding. Just when I thought I was close to him previously! Boy! I’m so blessed to see what he shows me and hear what he tells me. I just pray that this closeness doesn’t stop after the fast. I still want him to be just as clear forever.
Paula, I'm glad that you chose to embark on a fast and am rejoicing with you for its benefits, especially the benefit of feeling close to God and sensing His presence more strongly. I will be praying for you as you fast periodically throughout the year. …
I want to comment on one thing that you said — "I have made a great sacrifice to show God that I am worthy…." I don't think you meant it as it sounds. It sounds as if the sacrifice of fasting can prove our worth to God. It cannot. I want to be clear about that for any other readers. We are worthy because God created us and loves us— He chose us, shed His blood for us, redeemed us, and sanctifies us and makes us holy not because of any worth of our own but because of His great, merciful, unfathomable love. We could never be worthy of anything from Him based on our own merit or actions.
I think you probably meant it to mean more like what you said in the last half of that sentence—which I took to mean that you found fasting to be an expression of your gratitude to God… I assume gratitude for His presence, grace, and relationship, etc.
I just wanted to clarify that for anyone else who might read this and take it to mean something that is not Biblical.
May you continue to draw near to God in prayer and experience the reward of those who diligently seek Him!
I am so grateful God called me to this fast! I am on day 19 of a 21. God has sustained and preserved me throughout the days. Days 5-7 made it difficult. I literally thought I was sick. My flanks hurt so badly, and there was no comfortable position to sit or lie down, but God helped me persevere through the pain, and after day seven it got much easier. As I near day 21, I notice I am starting to experience those familiar hunger pains. But I think it is because my brain knows food is coming soon.
The spiritual benefits have been so awesome, as I just love Jesus so much, and spending time with Him has been such a blessing!
I certainly desire to incorporate fasting as part of my lifestyle going forward. Who would have ever thought your body, mind, and spirit could all feel so good!
Hi was searching for what to eat after fasting and the Lord led me to click on this subject and find it really helpful and there so much more that I have learn. I am still reading more because there is so much to know that I don’t know I am very happy to click on the right subject.
Thank you so much
God bless
Josephine K
Ireland 🇮🇪
Hi Josephine, it's amazing how God always leads us to the perfect content at the perfect time! I'm thankful He used this post, and that it was helpful to you. May God continue to teach you about fasting and speak to you through many excellent sources!
Thank you Natalie, I have been experiencing lower gut issues for a while and talked to a homeopathic doctor, friend of mine. He suggested a hard fast for ten days with just water, it has been quite the cleanse and a bit challenging. I am at day five now and was curious on how to start eating again. I came across your site and have found it very helpful. I may try your twenty- one day challenge in the future, sounds very interesting. Thanks especially for the spiritual aspects of your site, it has been very encouraging for me. The Lord bless you. Keep looking up. Mark
I can't imagine undertaking a water fast for ten days with health as the sole motivation. Honestly, I find when I fast for spiritual reasons, it's much easier to keep the fast. You've done well if you've made it five days so far!! I will be praying that God uses these ten days of fasting to heal your gut and make a huge difference!
Yes, pray about joining the 21-day fast next January. There's nothing like it. Beginning the year with fasting and prayer starts the year off right and sets the course for what God does the remainder of the year. It's renewing spiritually, and at the perfect time.
Today is the last day of my 21 days Fasting & Prayers , I feel Blessed , renewed and mostly I’ve been able to rediscover myself during this process. I’m grateful.
I am left wondering… with all of God's glory, why do we even need to fast.
The human machine was designed by God, yet obviously has built in flaws.
Hi everyone. I just ended an intense 3 day fast and I feel a lot of attack today after breaking the fast yesterday. I started the fast when already under a lot of pressure and stress but did feel close to God during the fast. To say I am discouraged is an understatement. I have so much stress in every area of my life and just feel so tired and hopeless today even after yesterday I went to bed full of faith. Has anyone experienced this? When I fasted when I was younger I often found victory/ breakthrough came after the hard time of fasting but my experience this time seems that as I'm fully eating today I am very discouraged
I just came off 21 days fasting Monday, I had only water and coconut water sometimes. I have been facing a whole lot of battles one after the other but I had peace right through the battles while on fasting. I saw my enemies became confused asking me to even pray. I am still under attack every where I turn but I know my Father and the weapons destroy therefore they are form. We are going to go through persecution because hate God's people. Discourage spirit will come but we cut it down in the name of Jesus, plead the blood of Jesus against stress and every attack of the enemies in Jesus name. I am happy that I know Jesus regardless of the rough times. Keep on pressing my Christian brothers and sisters, the devil shall not win.
Trying your guidelines to come off 40 day fast no food mostly water, some apple, pure cranberry, teas, and ACV. My wife got very sick on day 37 (maybe bit off more than can handle). Gave her warm bone broth with 5g collagen mixed in. Seemed to settle her and agreed with her system. Just tried a "smoothie" on her (simply orange, watermelon coconut water, pure cranberry, honey and 5g collagen warmed in microwave). So far so good. Other than my wife getting sick, this 40 day has made my awareness of God like I want to go 52 days! But I'll probably ease off the rigidness with her and not eat food for 52 days. Thank you for your fasting tips!
[…] the Word of God and ponder it’s meaning in your life. It’s also a perfect time to pray. This website helped me come out of the 21-day fast. (You gradually need to introduce light foods back into your […]
I am currently on the evening of my 20th day of fasting, and I’m quite confused as to whether I need to do another full day tomorrow and then resume eating on what would be the 22nd day, or is tommorow (the 21st day) the day I resume eating? Thank you.
I answered my own question! I prayed about it and went the full 21 days, completing that 21st day, and just bagean to eat today (day 22).
Hi Jovanka, Thanks for letting me know that you prayed it through and received an answer. How we each fast — the duration, what foods we fast from, etc — is between each individual and the Holy Spirit. We each have to pray it through, hear from God, and fast accordingly, which is exactly what you have done. :))
Personally, when I fast for 21 days, I begin day one in the morning, when I wake up. So therefore, on day 21, I fast all that day, through that last night, until the morning of the 22nd day. And I break my fast the morning of day 22.
I am fasting for 21days am on the 8 ,but from I started up to date I don’t have peace in my marriage.my husband is always drunkered,he comes home late past midnight he pretend he is going to work but he is not there my spirit is down.i need God to show me the may.am planing to go to a prayer center bcos I cannot handle all this at home
Am on my last day of 21 Daniel Fast. God has been so amazing in this journey. All I want this year is to have a good relationship with God. After I have read your content am I moved and not regretting to do a fast. I will continuously get myself closer to Him through prayer and fasting. Thank you Natalie Nichols, May God forever use you and this ministry.
Nicole, Thank you for your feedback and encouragement! I’m so glad to hear how God is using your season of prayer and fasting. May He continue to draw near to you as you seek Him first throughout the coming year! May He reward your diligent prayer and seeking. In Jesus’ name, so be it!
I’ll be 55 on 2/19. I started a fast in December and have been on this fast for 51 days..My fast ends on 2/19. I didn’t eat for 8 hours during the day. Even if I had early lunch plans, I would get up earlier and focus in God 8 hours prior to my lunch date. I need direction..Too much to type, but I need God to guide me with something very important..I don’t want to mess up, jump ahead of his plans and get stuck..So my 55th marks the year of change for me. I tried really hard to read and stay focused on home in the mornings and evenings but sometimes, I didn’t but I didn’t give up on the fast. I’m almost at the finish line and wanna give up. But the race isn’t given to the swift nor the strong, but the one who enuresis till the end!!! I am trying..This morning I didn’t pray or listen to my inspirational messages. I feel so bad about that. I really need direction from God..I really hope he tells me what I need to do..