Wednesday, March 5, 2014 marks the beginning of Lent for this year. Lent is a period of preparation and consecration and during this 40-day period (March 5-April 20: excluding Sundays), we engage in a time of fasting and prayer, of self-denial and sacrifice in hopes of strengthening our relationship with God.
The 40 days are representative of the time Jesus spent in the wilderness fasting and praying while being tempted by Satan prior to his public ministry. Before engaging in ministry, Jesus went through a period of fasting and prayer where he went into solitude to be with God and separated himself from those things that were hindering him from being closer to God. Throughout his public ministry, Jesus found time to get away from everyone and spend time with God. Before we embark on any journey in life it is important that we pull ourselves from distractions that prevent us from hearing God. In order to gain clarity and insight on our life’s journey, it is important we engage in periods of fasting and prayer.
The period of Lent is not a competition. It’s not about “who can out fast who.” Fasting and prayer are between God and us. We do not have to advertise that we are participating in Lent or that we are fasting. We don’t have to share with the world what we are giving up. That is between God and you.
Give up something that is going to actually be a struggle for you. The point of fasting is removing things that we feel we can’t “live without” and replace them with the One we can’t “live without.” Jesus fasted from food and water, two essentials we need to sustain life, but that was replaced with God. For you it may be fried food, candy, or fast food. For some it may be twitter, facebook, or television. For others it may be alcohol, sex, or clubbing. What we must do is search within and be honest with ourselves and ask “What is it that is hindering me from getting closer to God? What is it that is preventing from hearing the voice of God?”
In the next post, I will provide a weekly scripture and prayer itinerary that my church provided to help us along the journey
I will be in much prayer for you during this period. God Bless.
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