My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the
testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that
you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:2-4
It is common today to speak of life’s journey. I might speak of my journey; you might speak of yours. The church historically has observed a 40-day journey called Lent. During this season we seek our Savior, Jesus Christ. We follow our Lord recognizing his 40 days of testing in the desert. Lent is truly a journey with Jesus as he leads us on! I have often said that Lent is a little like life. Our lives are a time of testing this side of Heaven. Faith is worked like a muscle even as it is nourished by God’s word and grace.
In this Lenten journey we remember our Lord’s testing and we face more intentionally our own temptations while relying on God’s grace. During Lent with additional worship, with fasting, and intentional time in God’s words, we set aside some comforts for a time in order to seek our Savior. Yes, Lent is a little like life. It is an opportunity to humble yourself before the Lord – in order that he might lift you up!
God calls us to count it all joy when entering upon various trials and temptations, knowing that the testing of faith produces patience or endurance. So Lent leads to Easter and Lenten living leads to that eternal Easter to come!
Pastor