Marathon

Lent is a marathon that we tend to treat like the 40 yard dash.  I have the type of personality that gets easily frustrated when things don’t happen quickly.  I make rash decisions as a result.  And my level of patience is almost nonexistent.  When I started Lent, I wanted everything to change immediately.  You can see how ridiculous I am since we’re only in the second week (technically the first of actual Lent) and I’m writing this. 

Although Lent isn’t meant (rhyme) to be torturous, it is difficult.  Difficult in the sense that you’re making changes to your lifestyle and doing things (or not doing things) that are uncomfortable.  If that’s the case, then Lent is a marathon.  And encouragement is probably the most critical factor in making it through.  If you’re like me, then you already need encouragement…because you started off sprinting, and now you’re out of breath.

Today I read James Ch. 1, and it reminded me about setting the pace.  Verses 1-4 say: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”  And that stuck with me.  The whole letting perseverance finish its work.  It’s like taking the cookies out of the oven too soon, or walking out of the movie before it got really good.  You’re going to miss something.  And you’ll be lacking.

So my thought for today is this: let Lent take its time.  Don’t stress yourself out about results.  Don’t think, “a whole day has passed and everything is exactly the same.”  Probably because it’s not.  Lent is the time of planting the seed, giving the sacrifice, making the investment.  All those things need time, not worry. In Luke 12:29-31, we’re told: “And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind.  For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things.  But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you.”  It gives me comfort knowing that my Father already knows what I need and what I want; what I desire and what I long for.  But He wants me to understand that He’s taken care of everything, and anxiety won’t expedite anything.  Seek the Kingdom, not results.

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”