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So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition,
in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes.
—Daniel 9:3, NIV
When you think of the word “Lent” what comes to mind? Is it the many people who, on Ash Wednesday, mark their foreheads with ashes in the shape of a cross to represent the ultimate sacrifice? Is it that, in reality, our bodies are formed from the dust but our sprits have been redeemed, restored, and eagerly await the return of our Savior? Is it that the 40 days remind us of the time when Christ was tempted in the desert? Or is it the great news that we can fast, pray, confess, repent, be forgiven, and then celebrate the closeness we have with Christ?
No matter how you may observe Lent—whether by putting ashes on your forehead or giving up something for the 40 days leading up to Easter, as some abstain from eating meat—the key is to remember: it is to bring you closer to Christ. Lent is a solemn reminder to check our human mortality and celebrate our reconciliation with God.
The big question may not be: what is your sacrifice? Rather, why should you sacrifice during this time? And do you understand what you are fasting and praying about?
I remember one year I gave up eating meat and sweets. Now let me tell you, I didn’t know if I was going or coming when I first started. That made the praying part of it even more necessary, but for the wrong things. I was praying, “Lord, please help me to continue and not give up on this fast that I have made an oath to take.” I said, “Well Lord, if you help me with the sweets at least, I will work on the meat part” (side grin). I got so wrapped up in what I was fasting from that I forgot Who I was fasting for.
We must be very careful when we are fasting and praying that we don’t lose focus on the actual reason we are doing it in the first place. It is not for show, just something to do or brag to our friends about. Fasting should be a very personal sacrifice. And praying should be the communication line from our lips to God’s ears about wanting to do the right things, to be the person He wants us to be, to reconnect ourselves to Him.
“And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do,
for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting.
I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get.”
—Matthew 6:16, NLT
What will you sacrifice this year? Could it be something so simple but so difficult, as your time? Could it be television and social media and social gathering, in order to replace that time with studying your Bible, praying, repenting? What about the extras we enjoy—the extravagant shopping with no regard to cost—so we can add more to our tithing and building up the Lord’s house? Or instead of the money we spend on food at the fast-food chains and restaurants, could we donate food to our local food banks to help our community?
And walk in the way of love,
just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us
as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
—Ephesians 5:2, NIV
The most important part of Lent is the “Why”? Why are we fasting and praying? Why do we need to teach our children about the true meaning of Easter? Why should we sacrifice? Here are a few reminders:
But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8, ESV).
“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45, ESV).
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God,
who loved me and gave himself for me (Galatians 2:20, ESV).
In this season, no matter what you decide to give up and even if you decide not to give up anything, remember the “Why” and the “Who”—the reason we breathe, move, and have our being (Acts 17:28, ESV).
Raynette McMillion
Raynette McMillion holds a bachelor’s degree in English and has studied Theology at Houston Baptist University. She currently works with Mentor Alliance of Tyler as a Mentor, which she absolutely loves. Raynette has been with her current employer for almost 17 years and holds the role as Transportation Manager. She has completed independent studies with the Womenary programs online and loves every study that she has come across. Raynette loves digging deep into God’s word and encouraging others to do the same. She enjoys traveling, reading, spending time with her family, cooking, and teaching the word to others. She wants to use every gift that God has given her to glorify his name. 
