Lenten seasons of the past can’t hold a torch to this year!
Typically Lent is a time to repent, confess, fast, and pray as preparation for the celebration of the resurrection of Christ on Easter.
In years past, Christians gave up chocolate, coffee, or watching the news. This year has been the Lent of all Lents, as we have been forced into a “fast” and stripped of our idols: sporting events, concerts, entertainment, or theater.
I can almost see God, like a good Father, disciplining His children after disobedience and warnings. We raise our arms, yell, and get excited over our favorite teams or bands playing in concert… yet where is that same enthusiasm in church for the our risen Savior of the world?
I have felt convicted and ashamed. Jesus says in Matthew 26:41b, “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” I want to be “sold out” and surrendered to God — but I keep holding back, falling short.
We thought we were in control of our “world,” but this virus, along with shut-downs, speaks otherwise. The truth is, we live in a broken, sin-filled world. What is worse than this Covid-19 Virus? The sin that lies within each and every person on this earth. – (I’m talking to myself right now).
A couple of nights ago I was unable to sleep, and this verse kept playing over and over in my head: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).
I thought about these words all day. This verse came up again later in my study; then it was echoed in a sermon on Sunday. God usually gets through to me in series of threes… – He keeps doing this!
What do these words mean for us today?
We will come out of this season changed. We can choose to be defined by this trial or REFINED by it.
I like to look at trials as opportunities to polish and shave off my rough edges. James 1:2-4 is dear to my heart. Trials cause us to sink our faith roots deep into the ground and anchor ourselves.
We have been learning to simplify, letting go of unimportant distractions. We are taking inventory of the slippery slopes we may be on — and choosing to steer away.
When we repent – (turning from our destructive ways) – and move back into right relationship with God, we have peace, hope, and joy!
We are more than conquerors! Jesus came for this very reason, and we celebrate VICTORY this Sunday!
Romans 8:31-39 says, “ 31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written:
“For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”[a]
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[b] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
We have victory in Jesus!
Happy Easter & may God bless you and your family!
*Please share how you plan to celebrate Easter, share the Good News with neighbors, and be the light on the hill this Easter!
Let’s encourage one another in the faith! I’d love to hear 🙂