Devotional:

“Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” — 1 Peter 1:13

Lent is upon us, and at Eleven22, that is a big deal! We take this season very seriously. Not because of the fasting or habits we try to break in these 40 days. It isn’t about that! We take away those things only to focus more on Jesus and truly feel the anticipation of what Easter means! We long to fix our eyes on Jesus and be in a posture of reflection, renewal, and excitement because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is why we have hope for our future, our family, our country, and the reason for our very existence here on Earth. The only thing that can satisfy is Jesus, who left the comforts of heaven to walk this earth as fully God and fully human, laying the foundation of God’s promise and ultimately giving everything to save us from our sins. 

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:4-7

During this season of Lent, we will reflect on Jesus’s ministry and sacrifice. We will rejoice in the truth that God’s promise has been fulfilled through His Son, Jesus.

I pray you will be intentional about your relationship with the Lord during the next 40 days. Dig deeper, pray and ask God to meet you right where you are. Seek His guidance on your Lent journey. What is He telling you to do? Or not do? Like I said before, He is the only thing that satisfies.

 In the next 40 days, we will walk through the miracles Jesus performed for the glory of God during His time here on earth. My prayer is that this will open your eyes clearly as we see where He went step by step with His disciples from day one at the wedding in Cana, all the way to the cross and empty tomb. 

As we look at the miracles Jesus did to show us God’s glory, ask yourself these questions:

• What things in my life are keeping me from a deeper relationship with Jesus?
• What miracles can I see in my life and all around me?   
• What role is God calling me to play in these miracles? 

And then think about what steps you can take for the next 40 days to: 

1. Reflect on what Jesus has done for you.  
2. Rejoice in what Jesus has done for you.  
3. Receive the blessings God has given to you and will give to you during this journey.

Sometimes we can’t see past our own junk long enough to believe that we have an important role in the kingdom. What if you started focusing on your blessings and believing He has a purpose for you? 

If you haven’t already, make a gratitude list. List one thing for every year of your life that you are grateful for and then add one every year on your birthday. Use this to come back to and rejoice in the things God has done for you. 

 Let this be a season of reflection on who Jesus is as the Savior of the world and who Jesus is as your personal Savior. You may encounter God in a way that completely surprises you. He may meet you in a place you have been afraid to enter. Embrace it. Posture yourself before Him, so He can do mighty things in you and through you. Let Him lead you to that cross where He gave everything. And remember…if the tomb is empty…anything is possible!