This year, I observed Lent for the first time. As I prayed and asked God to show me what He wanted me to give up, I anticipated a minor inconvenience. But He went straight for the heart on this one. I wasn’t prepared to let go of something I held so tightly and protected so vehemently. Honestly, I cried and fought to such a degree that I surprised myself at how frustrated and angry I was at God for attempting to pry such a thing away from me. While deep down, I knew this was probably one of those “you’ll thank me later” scenarios, it still left me with little desire to move forward on this 40-day trek into uncharted territory.
Flash forward to now, and I can tell you that this experience has impacted me in ways that I didn’t know I needed. It put time back into my day and allowed me to wake up free of the stress and angst that I’m running behind before my feet even hit the floor. It replaced the frenzy of my old routine with an intentional and unhurried pace, allowing me to hear God’s still small voice more clearly as He guides me. And it created valuable space to address an area that badly needed my attention.
Through my Lenten practice, I’m learning more about God for myself instead of relying on what others say is true about Him. I’m also learning to shut out old voices from the past and give myself grace. But more than anything, these small things are teaching me that being my true and authentic self requires me to fight. I have to fight to renew my mind with the living and active word of God and stand on the truth of who He says I am.
Lent reminds me of how Jesus fought for me. He battled frustration and anger just as I did, but He always remained in the fight. He dealt with frustration when Peter, James, and John fell asleep in the garden. He was angry when the scribes and Pharisees refused to listen and understand. And ultimately, He faced death when He took on the weight of the cross. But He stayed in the fight because He knew what it was worth. I was worth it, and you were too. We were worth the struggle and the ultimate fight. As you approach Easter, remember that Jesus deemed you worth the fight.
Pastor S.M. Lockridge’s monologue describing the events of Good Friday is amazing. Take some time to listen today and maybe journal your thoughts as a way to help you remember the celebration that awaits all of us as Jesus-followers…because Sunday is coming!
Watch the video here.
This recent episode of The Grove’s podcast featuring Priscilla Shirer has so much to offer us as we continue to invest in our friendship with Jesus. Teaching from the book of John, Priscilla focuses on how abiding in Him enables us to face different seasons in our lives. Grab a journal and pen for this one, there’s a lot of great insight you’ll want to remember!
Start listening to the episode here.
POUR OUT ALL YOU HAVE FOR THE SAKE OF YOUR MENTEES
Disciples are learners and followers of Jesus. Mentors are disciple-makers . . . they learn for their own benefit but also so they can pour what they’ve learned into those who are coming behind them.
Hosting your mentoring group doesn’t require cooking an entire meal or anything at all! But sometimes, a cup of coffee or a simple dessert helps get the conversation going. The next time you host your mentees, try this delicious lemonade cake. It’s easy to make and sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Download the recipe card here.
