When do we seek God’s direction? Are we even aware of His direction for our lives? This devotional series for the upcoming Lent will look at this topic. First, let’s look at what Lent means.
The purpose of Lent is spiritual preparation for Easter wherein we intentionally focus on Jesus’ life, ministry, sacrifice and resurrection. It involves increased prayer, meditation, fasting and service as a reflection of Christ’s life and ministry. Too often, however, people just take the approach of “I’m giving up chocolate, coffee, etc. for Lent.” I guess you could look at this as a form of fasting but why not use Lent to fully grasp the meaning of Jesus’ crucifixion and the glory of His resurrection?
According to the Christian calendar, the season of Lent encompasses the 40 days, plus six Sundays, prior to Easter Sunday. Forty is an important number in the Bible and we see it used in many areas. In the story of Noah, it rained for 40 days and 40 nights. God’s people wandered for 40 years and Jesus fasted in the desert for 40 days before He began His public ministry.
Traditionally Lent begins on Ash Wednesday. Galatians 2:20 says “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Without Christ’s death, there would be no resurrection. Our sins died on the cross with Him. The ashes used in Ash Wednesday services represent our death and return to ashes (dust of the earth). We are repenting of our sins and letting them die so that we can experience new life through Jesus Christ.
During Lent, confess your sins and ask God to give you direction with regard to areas of your life that need His transformation. Commit the 40 days to deeper Bible study and reflection. Fast as a way to get closer to God; it shows you can rely on God to provide the nourishment you need. Be of service to those in need. With Jesus as our example, we can learn how to be better servants.
In the same way your GPS may put you on a better route when you get off course, there have been many times in my life that God has redirected my path. Sometimes we don’t understand why the redirection is needed but we need to trust in it…and in Him. We end up with some struggles and hardships along the way and sometimes it’s hard to go down His path without knowing the purpose or outcome. The devotionals for this Lenten study will provide you with scriptures to meditate upon. May they increase your awareness of God’s direction for you and may they build your trust in going down His paths, and relying on His judgement, for what is best in your life.
I will be posting the daily devotional on my website starting on February 26, Ash Wednesday. If you would like to receive this devotional in your e-mail each day, please subscribe to my blog at FaithGuidedLeadership.com . If you know someone that can benefit from this series during Lent, please share my post or have them subscribe.
