An
open invitation to my Chicago New Life Church family – whomever may happen to
read this. As we prepare to enter our season
of fasting and prayer I want to thank the leadership of New Life for consistently
challenging us with this spiritual discipline over the years. I can’t begin to say how much I have
benefitted from these extended fasts in fellowship with others at New Life.
God has used them to teach me humility and self-discipline, to deepen my
prayers, to establish godly priorities, to teach me gratitude, patience,
compassion, and authentic worship. I can’t
imagine my life without these seasons of fasting and I intend to participate
again this year.
But
there is another discipline that fasting, prayer, and the study of God’s word
have led me to and that far exceeds the benefits I have gained just by
fasting. That discipline is daily
sharing my faith with someone new. Talk
about learning to step out on faith, depending on God, being humbled, giving up
worldly desires, deepening my prayers, and learning to walk with Jesus! As we prepare for our 21 days of fasting, I
want to extend this invitation, this challenge, to some of you (not all, but I trust God will tell you who
you are) – to make your 21 days of fasting also 21 days of reaching out to
share the Gospel with someone new each day.
You will never be the same! “Then
you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will
say: Here am I.” - Isaiah 58:9
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