Lent – the time in which we remember the forty days Jesus spent fasting while in the desert and resisted the temptations with which Satan taunted Him.
Many will give up something, called a sacrifice, and refrain from a food or activity for these forty days.
It’s a time to reflect upon our own weaknesses, lack of strength, wavering faith and our self-indulgent living. As we take the time to reflect, we hopefully refocus our lives and realign ourselves to walk the path which Jesus chose – a path of humility, peace, grace, and love.
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9, NASB)
These verses were written when God’s people, the Israelites, were exiles. They are easily quoted because they offer hope and encouragement, being rich with promise.These words remind us of God’s better ways and thoughts which are vastly different than our own.
We don’t want to think of ourselves as exiles. Yet this world is not our home, we are just passing through and those are not just words.
Isaiah’s words are a call to us today to surrender to the Lord’s ways. It’s a call to obey His Word and trust Him to take us through, often to places we have not ever been nor thought we would be.
“God is at work doing strange, wondrous things for you and in spite of you, and your job is to get your mind off your ways of need and control, to give your life over to God’s large, hidden way in your life.”
(from A Way Other Than Our Own by Walter Brueggemann, page 42)
Are God’s ways always hidden, always mysterious? I think they might be. Why should He require less of us today than He did of the exiles then?
These thoughts bring to mind the familiar words once heard read by Chuck Swindoll on his radio program many years ago:
“God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm.
Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never failing skill
He treasures up His bright designs
And works His sov’reign will.
Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy and shall break
In blessings on your head.
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust Him for His grace;
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face.
His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flow’r.
Blind unbelief is sure to err
And scan His work in vain;
God is His own interpreter,
And He will make it plain.”
(God Moves in a Mysterious Way by William Cowper)
Maybe this is the point of Lent – not the sacrifice of a favorite food or activity, but the sacrifice of our lives. He wants to bring us to the place where we surrender, He wants us to give up our lives to His control; His safe and loving control.
He requires us to obey, to trust, to follow
even in the hidden, mysterious, and unknown.
Lent reminds us to surrender to Him.
Here is a post which is also about Lent. Michele Morin reminded me to “Stop and remember the depth of your need.” Don’t miss her wisdom in her post “Observe Lent Full of Hope” HERE.
Come, sit a spell. Bring your coffee, your posts, and your thoughts. If you link up, kindly visit those who have drawn up a seat around you.
As I read your post Joanne, Romans 12:1 came to mind;
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”
Blessings, Jennifer
Oh Jennifer, I am so glad you shared that verse. It fits perfectly!
Somehow, I’m becoming more peaceful in the midst of the unknown and uncertain. God continues to prove Himself so faithful and ever-present. His character shines brighter than the darkness that tries to hide Him.
Amen, Linda. He is ever-present and every faithful. We can rest in the confidence He is already there with us in the days that lie ahead.
Thanks so much for the feature and for your good words about this season. Lent is a much needed attitude adjustment for our culture of noise and instant gratification!
That is an apt description – “a much needed attitude adjustment.” May we quiet ourselves before God and let Him satisfy our souls as we surrender to Him.
Beautiful! And the words of William Cowper’s hymn overflow in hope.
Such an encouraging post, Joanne. Brueggemann’s words are hitting home with me today. And the hymn too … “The bud may have a bitter taste, But sweet will be the flow’r.” So beautiful!
A friend gave me a figurine of a child sitting in an offering plate along with the typical bills and change. It reminds me I need to daily give myself.
What a beautiful call to live the surrendered life for He is worthy of our all, Joanne.
I love Cowper’s hymn. I’ve found that sacrifice of self often as to be renewed. Someone once said the problem with living sacrifices is they keep crawling off the altar. 🙂 We struggle with wanting control, as Brueggemann said. The ironic thing is that yielding control to Him is the way to His easy yoke and rest of heart.
Thank you, Joanne for the beautiful reminder that lent is about sacrifice, but not the easy, shallow for a time kind. The kind where we are not afraid to crucify the fleshly desires of our hearts and ungodly attachments to worldly pleasures and comforts.
I can’t help thinking true rest is found in total abandonment to Christ’s will and leading.
Lovely website and linky party!
I’d love for you to join us over at the Creatively Crafty Linky Party every Wednesday through Sunday
https://creativelybeth.com/creative-crafts-linky-party/
Followed and Pinned!
Creatively, Beth
I appreciate the invite. Unfortunately I only write and am not at all crafty. I enjoyed visiting your site and it looks like there are many wonderful posts and recipes. I’ll be sure to visit often!
Is God’s working always mysterious? Not sure my friend, but I can agree that how He brings people and things together most certainly is. I’ve often called them “divine appointments” when I meet someone or someone meets me and we can help meet each other’s need(s). Especially when it’s strangers and in the darndest places. Other times, especially when praying His peace or comfort, His presence with me is palpable and I know in that instant that He is with me. Another amazing post, ma’am. Thank you!
It so important to be willing to give up all for Christ. Perhaps the hardest things to give up are our own selfish wants and desires.