I have decided ….
“I have decided to follow Jesus.” To me, these are some of the most beautiful words ever spoken.
Daniel made his decision early in his life. He didn’t just choose to follow God; he also figured out what that would look like for him. For Daniel, it involved prayer three times a day, fasting, and sticking to God's laws, even in a culture that didn’t share his values.
When he got up in the morning, he knew what to do. When times got tough, he knew what to do.
Daniel 6:10 (NIV):
"Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before."
I am reminded of the words of my driving instructor. He would repeat over and over: "Choose early, choose early," meaning, know which way you’re going well before you reach the intersection. That way, you’ll already be in the right lane when it’s time to turn.
As we come to the end of these 21 days of prayer and fasting, first of all—well done! You've made it through this intentional season of seeking God. But here’s something important to consider: the same principle of "choose early" applies now. What spiritual practices from these 21 days could you carry forward into your everyday life?
For me, I’ve found real joy in my Monday fast. As I work from home that day, instead of eating lunch, I spent that time in prayer. It was a simple change that worked with the rhythm of my life and had some beautiful fruit — I wondered why I had never thought to do it before.
I pray that you've had a similar experience, that something during these 21 days has resonated with you, or maybe you felt a closeness to God you hadn’t experienced before that you would like to maintain. Think about what you can make a regular practice in your life. These are the rhythms of being a follower of Jesus.
Jesus’ invitation is simple, beautiful, and clear: "Come, follow me," Matthew 4:19 (NIV)
Decide now—what does that look like for you?
--Mindy Newsome
Reflection: What practices will you take with you from these 21 days of prayer and fasting? Choose now to make them part of your everyday life with Jesus.
Together Prayer: Pray for the church, thanking God for this time of 21 days of prayer and fasting, and pray for his guidance and favour as we move into the next season.