Lent will soon be upon us, where we are challenged to reflect on our lives; to give up something that’s holding us back, or to start to do something new. Some people choose to give up a certain food or treat, others choose to break a bad habit, or to form a new good habit for 40 days, from Ash Wednesday to Easter Morning. Six weeks of self discipline. Reflective of Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness as He prepared himself to complete His mission. The final part of His gift and promise.

What challenge will you set yourself? What will tempt you to revert? Can you do something that will benefit your own wellbeing as well as those around you, or take on a challenge together so that you are accountable to each other? We sometimes struggle when we try to go it alone and do things in our own power, not only during Lent but throughout our lives. The great news is you don’t have to:

“For God loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life” John 3:16

What a gift and promise! You have a loving, mighty, powerful God. The Holy Trinity, watching over you, routing for you, wanting to help you, ready to listen to you. The gift has already been given and promised. And God doesn’t break His word.

Interestingly the word ‘lent’ is also the past tense of the word ‘lend’. The world was given Jesus for a brief period of time, approx 33 years, here on earth in physical, human form, as one of us. His task complete, defeating death once and for all through His crucifixion and resurrection 3 days later. (Note the power of 3). The period of Lent gives us a chance to reflect on what Jesus went through to save us and God’s unchanging love for us. A chance to focus on our individual purpose and calling, to give something up, let something go, or give something back.