When I was in my late 20s, I asked the Lord for godly friends. I wanted to be surrounded by women of faith – women who are consistently pursuing Christ and striving to live according to God’s Word. My prayer was fueled by the desire to grow in wisdom – to walk with the wise so I might also be wise (Prov. 13:20a). Since I uttered that request years ago, I’ve seen the Lord answer in abundance.
Yesterday, I went to lunch with three of those godly friends – Debbie, Sheila, and Liz. We co-lead Sisterhood Cares, a prayer ministry at our church which reaches out to ladies who are going through a difficult time. The trial could be a family crisis, health issue, or loss of a loved one.
Though we share the same passion for the Lord and for helping hurting women, we’re different. Debbie is an aerobics instructor, cancer overcomer, and prayer warrior. Sheila is a writer, counselor, and grandmother. Liz, also a grandmother, is a business owner, pastor, and CrossFit competitor. The four of us met together to plan for an upcoming Sisterhood Cares meeting. But, once we’d covered the ministry details, we took turns sharing how we could pray for each other during our church’s 21-day fast.
When it was my turn, I was able to be honest, raw, and real about my current struggles. There wasn’t any judgment at that table. Only acceptance and love. That’s the power of Christ-centered community.
One of the most precious gifts God gives is other people. We’re not meant to go through this life alone. Friends give us God’s comfort. Friends love us despite our flaws and failures. Friends speak truth when we need to hear it. Friends lift us up when we’re down in the pit.
If you’re thinking about doing a Daniel Fast (or any type of fast), ask a friend to join you. Then, you can be accountable to one another and pray for one another. “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble” (Ecc. 4:9-10 NLT).
Maybe you’re in the same position I was when I was younger, and you’re lacking in solid friendships. Pray for them! You can be confident God will provide because He wants you to have godly influences in your life. And He wants you to be one as well.
Finally, if you’re feeling prompted by the Lord to enter into a time of prayer and fasting, you can join me and our church in our 21-day fast. It’s not too late!
May the Lord bless you with wonderful, God-fearing friends, who spur you on to be more like Jesus!