lent

This Wednesday is Ash Wednesday, which begins this year's season of Lent. Lent is a 40-day period leading up to Easter in which the Church has historically prepared for remembering Jesus' sacrifice by making serious steps toward repentance and commitment. The most common practice of Lent historically has been fasting from food, following the example of Jesus' 40 days of fasting in the desert before he began his ministry. However, fasting can be done in many ways, whether abstaining from sugar, chocolate - whatever. The main idea is sacrifice.

Why? As I prepare for Lent, why is a significant question. Why do I choose to maintain this tradition that can so often feel like just going through the motions? Why am I sacrificing or abstaining from something? Why should anyone else?

Today, singing songs of worship with a crowd of my fellow students, I was struck by this question. The words of the songs spoke of our deep need for God, that He is our only desire, that He is everything we want. And I couldn't help but wonder if that was really true. It's easy to sing those songs on a Sunday when we're focused on God and surrounded by other worshippers in a music-filled environment. But how do we know that we actually want no one but Jesus, and God above all else?  Only by a willingness to sacrifice, over and over, the things that could stand between us and a life surrendered to God.



As you consider and prepare for Lent, ask yourself what might be a barrier in the growth of your faith and your relationship with your Creator. 

Is it a lack of time? What can you give up that will give you more time: movies, TV, social media, meals, sleep, games?

Are you racked by doubt? If so, could you sacrifice the next 40 days to a routine of prayer and Scripture, even when it feels nebulous and strange?

Is it difficulty finding a consistent time? Could you give up a daily meal and meet with God during that time?

Is it unfamiliarity with God's character and story? Could you commit to reading a certain amount of Scripture every day? Or maybe memorize a verse each day until you have memorized an entire passage?

Is it sin or guilt? Will you choose, for 40 days, to surrender yourself to God's loving commands, and daily accept forgiveness for things of the past? Will you abstain from damaging habits, or choose to stop wallowing in guilt and instead live free?


Lent prepares our hearts to receive the incomparable sacrifice that Jesus makes on the cross. As part of my preparation, I will be using a short daily devotional written by Henri Nouwen that starts on Ash Wednesday; feel free to join in! There are also reading plans on the Holy Bible app, and daily readings on the Give Us This Day app as well.

Jesus was willing to give up his very dignity and life for you - if anything is keep you from him, throw it off and run to him during this season of Lent!