What to say? I was not raised in a church which recognized nor practiced Lent. It wasn’t until my adult years, and well into my adult years, I found myself wondering if there was more to Lent than I had realized. There were some years I gave up something. Some years I did nothing at all. In each of those times, I learned and grew, solely by God’s grace.
It was with great interest that I read this post and felt compelled to send it to each of my children and ask them if they wanted to join me this Lenten season in this challenge. The reading guide sits printed on my desk waiting the start of Lent, next Wednesday, March 5th. I am excited to think we will journey and read the entire New Testament in 40 days.
But God began to stir in my heart and I knew it was coming – He was going to require more. More than the reading challenge. He was going to require sacrifice. This was going to be a year of active participation in the Lenten season.
Lent is a fast of sorts. A giving up of something to gain what is more needed, more necessary. This morning I remembered having read this and grabbed the book off my shelf to read it once again….
Jesus himself knew that when we have learned how to fast “in secret”, our bodies and our souls will be directly sustained by the invisible kingdom. We will not be miserable. But we certainly will be different. And our abundant strength and our joy will come in ways a purely physical human existence in “the flesh” does not know. It will come from those sources that “are in secret”.
(from the book, The Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard, page 196)
This week, the pieces of my own journey for the Lenten Season began to fall into place. Jennifer Dukes Lee is going on a deeper Lenten journey and is inviting as many as would choose to join her. She has written a book which will be released on April 1 (how special my son’s birthday!). You can read all about it in this post in which she shares the news. She is going to challenge and shake up our lives in the days ahead as she shares from her own life.
Like her Facebook page – The Love Idol Movement – too. There are some wonderful printables and resources there.
And so, I am now finding myself preparing for my Lenten journey which I will share about more next Wednesday on the day it begins. My hope is that you will come back, not only to read about it, but to perhaps join Margaret and Jennifer and so many others and start your own journey as well. My prayer is that we will be different after 40 days of reading and sacrifice and that this Resurrection Day will have greater meaning.
I am joining with … Thought Provoking Thurs. and Winsome Wed. and Thurs. Favorite Things and Thriving Thurs. and Cozy Reading Spot and New Every Morning and Quitting Thurs. .
I believe my Lenten journey has begun, too. I had a very intense discussion with Jesus this morning about something I’m letting go and giving to Him. I’m struck by the words in the quote above about doing these things in secret. I’m really wrecked today over this new development and everything I’m reading supports it.
Laura – I am believing God to do some great & wonderful things in each of our lives as we go through this season. Grateful that He brings about change in our lives!
I just saved the reading guide on my computer and will print it out when I get home! I already have an idea of what I would like to fast during Lent. I’m not sure which will be more difficult for me yet: reading through the whole NT in only 40 days or my fast. š
š It is so true. I know what I will be giving up & I actually think the reading will be easier. No matter what…I am glad you are going on this journey too. May we be different by Easter than we are today! Love you!!!
My religious upbringing did not include the observation of Lent either, Joanne. But I have friends who commit to it every year and since you’ve brought it up, I do think there is something God wants me to “give up” this year as well. It’s not going to be something that I eat or a fun activity (although I will say it must have some “pay off” or I wouldn’t continue to do it!) but it is an attitude of my heart that I have held in reserve. I’ll be back to see more of your lessons from this Lenten journey, my friend! Such a great post!
I think the attitudes of the heart can be the hardest for me. Thank you so much for sharing with me, Beth. I am praying & asking the Lord to do a work in each one of us this season. May He pleased with our sacrifice & teach us much. Blessings!
I’ve been thinking about Lent this year too. I didn’t grow up with a background that observed it either. I think I know what I’d like to commit to for the season. Thanks for the nudge. This book sounds great too!
So glad you are going to commit too š May we all join together, be changed ourselves & then impact those around us. All for His glory & His renown!
Wahoo! Thrilled you are joining us for the #LentChallenge. Can’t wait to hear what God reveals to you along the way.
And I was thrilled to have a visit from you! Thank you so much! I am so looking forward to joining you & the reading challenge. To have the two challenges come together for me has been meaningful. I am believing for much this season. May it all be for His glory & for His Name! Thank you for inviting us all to join you. Blessings, Margaret!
Yes, we’re pretty excited about Jennifer’s challenge, too. She’s a sweet friend.
I’ve never participated in Lent and just this winter experienced Christs’ coming through Advent. My study was rich and eventful. Jennifers #loveidol movement has me intrigued specifically because I never reallg feel I struggle.with that type of validation. But….participation would certainly bring.to light any dark areas I’ve hidden…feom myself even. Breathing deep and praying.about this.
Lisha – I am praying that after this Lent season, we would all emerge changed. Markedly. I am amazed at the journey I am now finding myself on & grateful some in my family are joining me. Prayed that God would show you what He would have you to do. Thank you for sharing with me!
I am overjoyed and expectant. There are several areas of my heart that I know God wants to see me change. He is so loving and full of grace. My heart wanders and focuses at time on approval and what others think. By NOT choosing to go along with the defeating focus I will be participating with Jesus in practicing and eliminating this self-hurtful attitude. I want to be single-hearted towards Him in every area of my life. I am part of the Facebook Lenten group. I found it by reading Jennifer Duke Lee’s blog and have pre-ordered the book.
Mare – May God do an unexpected work in your life so you walk in freedom for the rest of your life! May you be blessed in the days ahead!
Joanne – I think it’s going to be a beautiful journey – this lenten season, and I love that we’re on it together. My experience is just the opposite of yours. I grew up in a liturgical denomination that celebrated Lent, but belong today to a church that does not. Lent, however, is in my roots – and even in my prodigal years, the practice of Lent kept me tethered, however thinly, to the heart of the Father. God is so good to me.
Patricia – I so love hearing the journeys of other people especially when they are different from my own. One thing always remains the same – the faithful love of our God for each one of us. He truly does hold onto us! Looking forward to this journey together. Blessings!
Hi, Joanne! I’ve never participated in Lent before, but it is something that I have been thinking about doing this year. After reading this and visiting Jennifer Dukes Lee’s page, I have decided to make the commitment to celebrate Lent this year and I’m looking forward to the journey. Thank you for this post.
It is so exciting to read each time yet another joins this journey. It makes me wonder exactly what our God is going to do not only in the days ahead but in each of our lives in the days following Easter. I am so glad that you stopped here today. Blessings!
Hi Joanne. I love your deep reflection here. It stirred a remembrance to continue seeking God’s face to hear the very thing He chooses for me to give up as I also make this Lenten journey with Jennifer’s launch team for ‘Love Idol’. Sometimes these things shout loud and clear, at others God keeps us waiting until we’re truly ready to hear and receive.
I’m excited to discover where this journey will take us! As you say, we learn and grow almost in spite of ourselves. Looking forward to hearing more about how it works out for you. Blessings š x
Joy – I am looking forward to hearing how it works out for each of us š The journey will look differently for each as our God truly does an individual work within the larger setting, which always amazes me. Thank you for stopping here. Have a great weekend!