“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
Lent is a season of repentance, reflection and taking stock of our lives. It is a time of special grace for each of us, because it is the highpoint of our year to celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus ascension. It is just another way to thank God and remember our Lord Jesus and what he has done for us. And no matter how close we are to God, the season of Lent provides a great opportunity to grow closer to Him. One of the biggest mistakes that I could possibly make during this blessed time is to not take advantage of growing and becoming closer to Him!
This year I have been challenged (yes challenged!) to give up a habit that quite simply has been a monkey on my back and has overshadowed my life for years. I believe that God worked through a very good friend of mine to make a suggestion that would test my desire to please God and force me to do a lot of soul-searching. The very idea of even considering this omission from the pattern of my life is going to be a true test of my faith! Some of the keys to succeeding and overcoming my temptation are to rely on my steadfast prayers and those of my family and friends. I will continuously call on God, and He will quickly come to my side and give me strength to overcome. Rather than attempting to fight temptation on my own, I plan to pray and listen more so that I can find a will power which is stronger than my own.
"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." (1 Corinthians 10:13)
Lent is a great time for reflection and to yield control of our lives to God. It is a time to transform ourselves and make an effort to “do something” that will allow us to grow closer to Our Lord when we celebrate His Glorious Resurrection. It is a time for me to choose to do only what is right, and to resist temptation, and prepare myself by dying to sinful ways and rising to new life with Jesus. I may suffer just a little bit during this time of refinement in my life, but my desire is to persevere with faith and adoration so that it will restore me and make me a stronger person. :)
“And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast. To Him be the power forever and ever.” (l Peter 5:10)
