Another Reason for Observing Lent

by Katie Harding on February 19, 2024

Last week began the observation of the season of Lent for many Christians around the world. Lent is a time of repentance which often includes the practice of giving something up or starting something new as a way to make more room for God in your life. I have done both over the years, but to be totally honest, I usually find it quite challenging to complete 40 full days of any Lenten discipline.

However, after recently reading the first chapter of James I can’t help but wonder if there might be something more to this observance of Lent that we have failed to recognize – another reason why it’s so important to make room for God and draw closer to Him.

In his letter to Jewish Christians, James wrote “Blessed is anyone who endures temptation” (James 1:12a).

When Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness for 40 days of fasting, His purpose for fasting wasn’t to draw closer to the Father, although I am sure that is what got Him through. His purpose was to learn to endure the temptations He would experience in the midst of fasting because one of the most important things Jesus had to accomplish when He began His ministry was to succeed where Adam and Eve failed. He had to be able to endure the temptations of Satan to bring God’s plan to completion. It was His 40 days in the wilderness that helped Him develop the strength to endure, and it was endurance that allowed Him to journey faithfully to the cross.

So, what if our 40 days of fasting from or fasting for something isn’t really about the fasting itself but about learning to endure in the midst of fasting, like Jesus? Maybe this year consider observing Lent a little differently. If you haven’t already done so, decide what you would like to stop or start doing. Then when you feel tempted to quit or cut corners or make a “one-time” exception, try not to give into your desire, but focus on drawing close to Christ and relying on His strength to endure. Let this Lenten Season be a time of developing your endurance, so you, too, can be obedient to the Lord’s commands and not be distracted by the temptations of Satan.

And remember, in the same way the Spirit of “love, power, and self-discipline” remained with Jesus in the wilderness, the same Spirit is with us today in our daily lives and relationships. Remain steadfast in His presence as you continue the journey to the cross with Jesus.