I am a huge advocate of perseverance. I am not one to quit something when it gets hard.
But sometimes, it’s important to just give up… Especially if God is calling you to do so.
Dear friends, today is Ash Wednesday. This is a season of preparation to recognize Christ’s death and resurrection when Easter comes in 40 days.
Have you given much thought to what God might be calling you to do this Lenten Season? Because if not, don’t fret. You still have time to make a commitment to honor God in some way.
Lent is traditionally a season of mourning and fasting. It is a time to reflect and sacrifice as we draw near to God, giving thanks for HIS sacrifice He made for us there on that cross.
He bled and died for us, to give us a hope and future with Him in eternity.
So it’s an honor, a privilege even, to seek Him with intentionality in this season.
As I mentioned, I am not a fan of just “giving up.” But in the context of Lent, I am all about it… Because God gave up His Son who gave us His life for me. For you. For your neighbor down the street.
So today, I am giving up.
I am giving up grumbling– I no longer want to grumble in my heart about things that so many people would view as blessings.
I want to give up griping and change statements to bring glory of God.
I will give up saying, “Ug, this run is so hard and I can’t believe it’s raining!” and replace it with “Lord, thank you for legs to run, lungs that breathe and rain to water the earth.”
I will give up saying, “Great, it’s that time of week that I have to clean up the downstairs,” and replace it with “Lord, thank you for a house to clean, for a vacuum that functions, and for our Home Group that gives me a reason to tidy up.”
I will give up saying, “Why won’t this baby take a stinking nap?! I need a break!” and replace it with “Lord, thank you for giving me this daughter, for growing me as a mother, and for allowing me to experience this season of life.”
I will give up saying, “Well look-ee there, my husband left his dirty clothes on the floor again! What am I, a maid?” and replace it with “Lord, thank you for my soldier husband who is around living in this house with me and for the opportunity to serve him in this very small way.”
Yes, my friends… This Lenten Season I am giving up.
And I couldn’t be more excited about it.
What is God calling you to do in preparation for our Easter celebration? I am always encouraged by your comments. Leave one here.
Let’s press on, let’s persevere… Let’s give up ourselves and take up our cross.
Praying for a transformed heart,
“He will never give up on you. Never forget that.” ~1 Corinthians 1:9 MSG
Linking up today with my sweet friend Beth over at Three-word Wednesday and also with Walking Redeemed. Oh! And be sure to join our #EverydayJesus link-up community right here at 7 Days Time every Thursday!
