When I was growing up we were encouraged to give up something for Lent. I would choose various things to give up, usually something I liked, maybe cake, but not something I really really liked, like ice cream. đ I do believe it made me more aware of the season of Lent.
This Lent season, Iâm not sure I need to give up something; although thereâs nothing wrong with the “giving up,” and self-discipline is always good. Iâm finding with all that is going on in my life and the world around me that what I want to do is lean into Jesus and trust Him more. Trust him when my future looks so different than I imagined, trust him with my past and all the mistakes, trust him for his plan and purpose for my life now.
What do you need to lean into Jesus for and trust Him with this Lent season? Your finances? Health? Relationships? Purpose? Grief? Anxiety? Thatâs really why Jesus came. He wants us to lean into Him because we canât manage our own life. We canât save ourselves and we canât earn heaven. If we could Jesus wouldnât have needed to come… For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast (Ephesians 2:8-9).
This Lenten season I want to trust Jesus more with all the uncertainty of my future. I want to accept His plan and purpose for me. Even when it looks so much different than I expected and when I donât understand. Lord, you keep reminding me that your plans are higher than my plans.
âFor as the heavens are higher than the earth,
– (Isaiah 55:9).
So are My ways higher than your ways
And My thoughts higher than your thoughts”
Help me to believe and trust that it is true.
What I do want to give up this Lent season is my self-centeredness that keeps me from seeing or caring about the needs of others. I want to give up my lack of love for people that look and act differently than I do. I really want to give up my judgmental attitude that judges people without knowing whatâs going on in their lives or what has gone on in their past. This Lent season I want to lean into Jesus, trust Him, and become more like Him. I want Him to be enough for me.
Photo by Debby Hudson on Unsplash
Iâve started my âtrust and leanâ list. Thank you, dear friend for sharing this challenge from Godâs Word. I love your transparent and wise heart.
Thank you for your encouragement and for your friendship over many many years.
Pat thank you for this message, so timely. Just read this to my Michigan friend Grace, she & husband Ray staying this week. You gave us much food for thought for the day, week & more, so thank you for your wise & positive guidanceâď¸đ
Again, another inspirational and thought provoking writing. Just last week I was in a group discussing this topic of “giving up something for Lent”, when we moved toward trying to develop a closer relationship with our Savior rather than giving up something. After reading your comments, I’m rethinking. While I’ll still not give up tangible things such as chocolate, I will be mindful of giving up attitudes and behaviors and pray that those changes will continue beyond the 40 days. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and ideas. You are an inspiration.
Thank you for such encouraging words, It means a lot to me friend,
Thank you, Pat, for showing your heart. Your love for Jesus is so clearđ
I love this!! This âleaningâ on Jesus. Isnât that what we do when we are hurting or need to feel close to a loved one? We lean. We can most assuredly lean on our Heavenly Father. Thank you dear friend for a beautiful picture here!