{{Today is Friday!!! It is the day I link with Lisa Jo Baker for Five Minute Friday. Here is how it works…. One word prompt. Five minutes. No editing. Lots of women. Everyone writes on the same word.}}
Today’s word is …. Willing.
The perfect word for this Lent season.
Willing …. to consent to do something. It involves an intentional bending of one’s desires to give way to the desires of another. This can be hard for those who are strong-willed. For those who have strong desires or cravings.
I gave up bread for Lent. Sounds easy. But then last night, I sat across from my husband in one of our favorite restaurants and the rolls, two of them, arrived at our table. They are always warm and steamy, causing the butter to melt perfectly so that one’s taste buds are delighted with each and every bite. Yeah, I sat and watched them sit on the plate and then, go into my husband’s mouth. Both of them.
In that moment, I remembered I gave up bread so my focus would be on my greater need for The Bread of Life. This thought made me more willing, enthusiastic even, to press ahead, to be willing to pass up what was immediately in front of me.
Willing … I am beginning to understand….
- Christ was willing to sacrifice for me.
- He was willing to obey the Father, bending His will to cooperate with the will of His Father.
- He had to be willing to focus on the eternal, willing to overlook the immediate.
Lent, this season of being willing to give up something in this immediate life, is so I would gain a better understanding of the eternal, which will last.
Today I am beginning to understand, ever so slightly, the struggle which lies within me and take to heart the words of Jesus Himself, spoken to the disciples….
Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing but the body is weak! (Matthew 26:41, NLT)
Lord, may I be willing in both spirit and body.
(Photo courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net/Poulsen Photo)
Today I am joining with … Five Minute Friday and Fellowship Fri. and Faith Filled Fri. and Essential Fri. and Fri. Flash Blog and Beauty Observed and Everyday Jesus .
Oh wow, I would have a hard time giving up bread like that too. But what a great reminder of our true sustenance! Thanks for commenting on my FMF post. You’re welcome to share the Seth Godin quote – you should be able to easily do it by clicking the FB share button on the top of the post. Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
I had to do something that would be difficult & yet focus my heart & mind properly. Thank you for sharing the Seth Godin quote too. Enjoy the weekend!
And the bread is on the table when you are the hungriest – right before the meal! I’m sitting here hungry from no breakfast which I gave up for Lent. Willing is hard because it’s the opposite of the world which would call it being a doormat. Being willing pleases the Lord and helps us do the work He has for us.
I am coming to realize we have no idea how difficult “sacrifice” truly can be. Praying He teaches us that which we need to learn in the days ahead. I know it will be worth it to grow in Him! Blessings, Laura!
Ah, I have been cutting some serious carbs in 2014 and I miss decadent rolls like that… But I am trying to get fit and healthy for the glory of God, so know it will be worth it. Praying for your Lenten journey, my friend! Thanks for linking up with #EverydayJesus.
Funny part is, I have given up carbs in the past as a means of weight control & did not find it difficult. Giving up just bread this time, probably because it is for a different reason, has presented its challenges. Much for me to learn in the days ahead. Thank you for hosting the linkup. Have a wonderful weekend!
I don’t know how I missed your FMF post this week! Love how you highlighted Jesus’ willingness. I often forget how difficult it must have been for his human side to be obedient to our Father. Thank you for reminding me that even his obedience had to start with willingness.
I know how you missed it —– seriously, there were so many wonderful ones to read. There is no way to get to them all on the same day. It is amazing all that God is doing & working at this time through linkups! May we be willing to obey Him & not miss Him.
Great thoughts here, Holly.
Thanks for sharing at Essential Fridays.
Blessings
Mel from Essential Thing Devotions
“Lent, this season of being willing to give up something in this immediate life, is so I would gain a better understanding of the eternal, which will last.” Thank you for this reminder.
This ” Lord, may I be willing in both spirit and body.” is also my prayer.
Thank you for linking-up last Friday at Beauty Observed. I hope to see you again this week!
I am grateful my words resonated with you as well. In our willingness, may we be changed. I have been blessed to join you each week!