Lent is a wonder-filled, and meaningful time of year. However, that doesn’t mean it’s not difficult to keep the sacrifices you’ve made consistently! Here’s some basic info on Lent and a little help to get through the Lenten season.
What is Lent?
If you’re unfamiliar, typically during the Lenten period, between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday, Christians may choose to give something up in order to, instead, focus on the sacrifice made by Jesus. Sometimes participants will give up small luxuries like chocolate or fried food. Other times, participants choose to give up something more significant. Either way, it is a deeply spiritual practice and is done out of a pure heart, rather than out of a desire for attention or personal gain.
That said, it can be extremely difficult to continue practicing your Lenten sacrifice! Here are a few tips to help:
When You Feel Tempted
When you feel tempted, read the following verses:
Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” – Matthew 26:39
Consider how tempted Jesus could have been to choose not to suffer the way he did. If you’re feeling tempted, think about this instead. Remember what he told Peter just a few verses earlier when he suggested that Jesus wouldn’t have to die: “Get behind me Satan!”
Call upon the Lord for Help
A major part of sacrifice during Lent is not to prove how strong you are, but how much you need God during the times of struggle. While it might just be over something simple this time, building your reliance on God will increase you strength during more difficult times.
Have an Accountability Partner
Remember that you don’t have to do this alone! Find a trusted friend during Lent and encourage one another and pray for one another.
