Lent 2021: what is it?

Lent is the 40 days between Ash Wednesday and Holy Saturday, not counting Sundays. It is a super long time. 

Growing up, we didn't really observe lent. We knew it existed. We mainly focused on preparing with joy for Easter. 

Once I became a mother, I decided to teach the importance of Easter to the kids, starting with Lent. 

I don't do the "give up something for Lent" thing because Biblical fasting makes more sense to me. As a family, we read "The way to the Savior" by Jeff and Abbey Land. The readings really help those 40 days seem more doable. 

Before we were blessed with this book, I basically would give the kids a lent calendar they could color and we would read every story of the Bible leading to Easter. Some stories we would read more than once, which is good. 

I believe that in 2021, the story of the temptation of Jesus is the one I want to focus on. 

"Then Jesus was led by the [Holy] Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After He had gone without food for forty days and forty nights, He became hungry. And the tempter came and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” But Jesus replied, “It is written and forever remains written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes out of the mouth of God.’” • Matthew 4:1-4 (AMP)

Before Jesus begins his ministry, He is led by the Holy Spirit to the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. That does not sound fun at all. 

I'm amazed that Jesus became hungry after 40 days and 40 nights. I think that my record would be 40 seconds. 

Biblical fasting is something I practice because of what I see in the scriptures. I also saw it modeled by my parents and family. 

Jesus is God. He was also in human flesh when He quoted Deut. 8:3.  Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that comes out of the mouth of God. 

God has a track record of providing manna in the desert. For every wilderness season God took His people to, He provided the nourishment they needed. 

I believe the same is true for me and you this year. 

Here's the trick: how can we know every word that comes out of the mouth of God if we won't read His book? 

I can do absolutely nothing about the past. But for today, I will read God's word. I will set aside time to practice fasting as the Bible prescribes it. 

I will allow God to do a work in my life this Lent season. I will pray to be used by God so I can teach my children the importance of the resurrection of Jesus. 

How about you? What will you ask God to do in your life this Lent season?