Where Will You Be in 40 Days?

Can you believe it, Lent is already upon us again. Today we prepare our hearts and minds for our 40-day journey.

40 days in the scheme of things is not that long, yet it sounds intimidating every year. We contemplate the past year as we decide what we will give up this year.

My question for you is, did you give it up last year? I mean truth be told did you go without for 40 days? Or did you just do a little less of what you likely should not be doing anyway?

I find it interesting how many people give up chocolate, soda, sugar, salt or social media for Lent. The first one will be a real test as valentine’s day comes after you already gave it up.

I mean what if for the next 40 days you read scripture every day? Or perhaps did a 40 day devotional (likely a reason most devotionals are 40 days long huh?)

Spending the next 40 days pressing into God’s word, where would you be in 40 days from now?

I know some of you already read the Bible every day, how about adding 40 days of prayer then? You already do that? Then try doubling your efforts.

When Jesus spent 40 days in the desert, he was not out there longing for chocolate. He spent his time in prayer and devotion. He prayed for you as he suffered. Perhaps we can follow his lead and pray for others?

During your Lenten journey, there is no need to be boastful or complain about what you are giving up (then again maybe those are two areas some could also focus over the next 40 days?)

 “Let another praise you, not your own mouth;
a stranger, not your own lips.” ~ Proverbs 27:2

Our journey is between our Father and us, not to obtain sympathy among men.

Just imagine where you could be 40 days from now if you made these days all about Him.

Lent is a time to renew our faith, sharpen our swords and prepare for spiritual battle. It is not for the faint of hearted, in turning our eyes to Him over the next 40 days, we ready ourselves to fight for others.

So this 40 day what will you give up? Will it be something like chocolate, cussing or alcohol? Or will you choose to give up a little bit of yourself instead? I would love to hear your decision and why so that I can pray and support you over the next 40 days!