Why I Have Chosen to Participate in Lent

Lent is not traditionally an Evangelical Christian practice (and I don't normally consider myself an "Evangelical Christian") however, I really think that there are some amazing lessons to learn and benefits that can come from the observance of Lent.

I am working on another few blog posts, including: "My Experience with Fasting" & "What Place Does Fasting Have in Modern Christianity?"  I hope that they will help to answer any questions you may have from the following:

What is Lent and What Does it Have to do With Fasting?

Lent is based on the 40 days of Christ Jesus' fasting in the dessert. (Matthew 4:1-11)

It is 40 days of self denial for the purpose of focusing your life on the Holy Trinity and the sacrifice they made, far beyond the fasting commonly practiced in Lent.  

During Lent people usually give up something they really enjoy, for the whole 40 days prior to Easter. This helps them to focus on God because, when they think about the things they have given up, they remember why and God's sacrifice for them. 

Fasting was regularly practiced throughout most of the Bible, commanded again and again throughout the Old and New Testament.  In the New Testament, there are guideline to Fasting. It was never "if you decide to fast..." but "...when you fast..."  Below are a few passages that deal with fasting:

• Nehemiah 9
• Esther 4 & 9
• Psalm 35
• Isaiah 58
• Jeremiah 36
• Daniel 9
• Joel 2
• Matthew 4 & 6 & 9
• Mark 2
• Luke 2 & 5
• Acts 13 & 14 

Focus, Renewal, & Rekindling 

Lent is an opportunity for people of faith to all direct their lives and hearts toward the Father. It is a time for submission, supplication, and spiritual growth. A time of meditation on God's perfection and plan. Through that meditation we can begin to renew our hearts for His purpose and good works. Through the revived focus, we find renewal of purpose, and through the renewal of purpose, we rekindle God's master plan in our lives. If all of that can come about through simply not doing/eating something specific for 40 days, why would we as Christians choose not to participate?!

A common comment I have gotten is:
"Well, I don't agree with those people." or
"I don't believe in Lent because they are misguided about the Bible."  

My response is generally something along the lines of:

"Well, I don't agree 100% with many people, but am not going to let any opportunity for growing in faith and in God's service pass me by." 

Lent & Love 

Lent for me is about sacrifice, but just as much about joyful renewal in the Lord.

I sacrifice that I may gain more than I could have ever imagined. I delight in the opportunity to sacrifice. 

I mourn in my fasting, that my sin cost God His Son.
Yet, moreover, I rejoice in fasting, that my whole life may become a more pleasing sacrifice unto the Lord.