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!
Today is day 21 of the Daniel Fast for me and I’m just finding you😢 I could have benefited from this. God has been so good and faithful to his promise. He has given me all I need during this life change and I know he will continue to grow me as the days go on. As I am brought to tears I am wishing I found this blog before now on my day 21 I know with all my heart that this was in the Lords plan and am excited to see what he has planned. I’m so excited for your recipe suggestions. Thank you for your time you already have blessed me. Jana
Hi, Jana! Well, I’m glad the Lord led you to my website. You know, His timing is perfect! Just think, now you’ll REALLY be all set for your next Daniel Fast! You can’t do just one. 🙂
I enjoyed the story! It’s so true and important. Thank you for all you do.
Tamie, thank you so much for the feedback. I really appreciate it! 🙂
Thank you for this post. I have asked two people to join me, both of whom joined in the past and both I’ve given your book. But neither has been able. So reading this has been my encouragement. I like to read, and listen to on Audible, the biographies and writings of missionaries. Through the years I’ve noticed something, most of them went through a season of physical injury, pain or illness. These were serious hardships and lasted longer than a typical bout of a virus or sprain, etc. David Livingston, Amy Carmichael, Hudson Taylor… this list could go on.
You are a missionary leader, doing a tremendously important work in one of the most demonically-resisted areas in the Christian realm: prayer with fasting. If nothing else is accomplished in our fasting together, may our upholding of you through this season of injury and pain be a powerful advancement in the cause of Christ, as well as in the deepest places within your soul.
God bless you.
Patricia, thank you! Your words are God sent, I’m sure of it. I appreciate your time the time to encourage me and remind me of God’s faithfulness and provision. Bless you, my sister! May God strengthen you and fill you with His power as you seek Him!