Embrace the Journey

Be still before the Lord, and wait for him. (Psalm 37:7 CEB)

As we continue our journey through the season of Lent, I want to take a moment to highlight the Sacred Invitation devotional many of us have started engaging through this season. Last I checked there were still a few paper copies available for pickup at the church. The devotional can also be purchased as an e-book through Amazon (the paper copies have sold out online).

   Click here to view on Amazon

A few times in this early part of Lent the devotional has touched on the theme of reminding us that an encounter with God is not something we can expect to be accomplished in an instant. Our family recently purchased an air fryer toaster oven. I must confess I am loving how we can cook a frozen pizza and get a crisp crust and golden-brown cheese in half the time it would take in our big oven.

I know that modern conveniences like this have conditioned us to think that most things in life can be accomplished quickly and efficiently if we just do it right. I am convinced this notion has also had its effect on our thinking around discipleship and encounters with God. We are convinced that if we approach our relationship with God with fervor and do it just “right,” our personal spiritual growth will happen in an instant. However, true discipleship is more often something that takes an intentional investment of time and growth will occur over seasons of time.

While observing the season of Lent is new for many, I think it can serve as a great opportunity to prepare for the celebration of Easter. Easter is something many of us naturally look forward to with anticipation. However, the season of Lent invites us to intentionally pause and reflect on the journey to the cross with renewed devotion. Jesse Middendorf one of the devotional authors puts it in this way, “During Lent we prepare our hearts to embrace the meaning of the suffering death and resurrection of Jesus on our behalf.”

For me personally, Lent provides an opportunity for me to be reminded that Jesus’ victory over death at Easter did not come without a cost. In a similar way, discipleship and true devotion to Christ has a cost. May we each use this season as an opportunity for God to do something new in our hearts and minds. With Jesse I invite you to, “Ask the Spirit to probe your heart and mind, to reveal places of needed growth and surrender. Let the long, slow work of the Spirit lead you to deeper relationship with Jesus and his people.”

(Jesse’s quotes taken from the Sacred Invitation Thursday 02 reading)

With Love,

-Pastor Shawn