This Wednesday, February 10th is Ash Wednesday, the traditional beginning of the Lenten season.* The practice of Lent is meant to mirror Jesus’ time of testing in the desert just before he began his earthly ministry. During that time Jesus fasted and was challenged by the enemy to settle for less than God’s design and intent for his life. However, Jesus emerged from that time with a clearer picture of who he was and just what his Father was calling him to do.
It would be easy simply make Lent about giving up a bad habit, but I want to challenge us to do something more than that. What if we committed ourselves to a time of praying and fasting that God would prepare our hearts for his work in the world, just like Jesus did? What if we emerged from Lent full of the Spirit, ready to proclaim the good news the way Jesus did?
I want to challenge us as a church to do just that. Would you be willing to set aside or fast from something (TV, radio, food) and replace that with seeking God’s heart? Would you be willing pray through these three questions regularly from now through Easter?
Is there anything in my life that is getting in the way of God working through me?
Who are the people in my life that need to know Jesus?
What can I do to share the good news of Jesus with them?
Let’s see what God can do if we all align our hearts with his!
On Ash Wednesday, if you would like receive ashes and have a quiet place to pray we will gather at the Fusion Office at 6:30am-7:30am and then again from 6:30pm-7:30pm. People will be there to pray with you and help you kick off the Lenten season. Please join us if you can.
Our office is at 118 S. Main St. #2 Wauconda, IL 60084
* For those not familiar with Lent, many different branches of Christianity have observed a time of reflection, repentance and fasting during the few weeks leading up to Easter Sunday. The point of this observance is simply to create space for God to speak to us and refine us as we give up certain habits and comforts. Many people in church family have really encountered God in previous Lenten Seasons.
