Lent Day 27

James 1:2-5

40 days of Lent are connected to the 40 days Jesus fasted in the desert, 40 years that the Israelites wandered in the desert, 40 days that Moses stayed with God on Mt. Sinai (twice), Elijah's 40 day fasting journey to Mt. Horeb, and 40 days of rainfall while Noah and his companions were on the ark. We take 40 days (approximately) before Easter to pray and fast, remembering the great sacrifice Jesus endured for our sake. We repent for our sins, the sins that He died for, so that we can join with Him as His people and live forever with Him in Heaven. Sometimes though in the midst of our prayers it can feel like we are in a spiritual desert, not hearing any response from the Lord or any sign that He has heard our prayers and petitions. We read the whole story of those in the Bible who fasted or suffered in some way for 40 days and we tend to forget that in the midst of the trial they might not have known how long it would last or what would happen when the trial was over. They might have heard God say "40 days" or "40 years", but then wondered in the midst of the time whether that number really meant an approximation or whether God would forget to bring them out of it or whether the event on the other side of the 40 days was going to be worth the suffering they were experiencing right now. It's easy to look back with confidence; it's not so easy when you're in the midst of a difficult situation. If you are struggling right now, hold on to the truth. God is listening; He has not forgotten you; He does have the very best in store for you. Stay strong in the commitments you made for Lent and know (even when you don't see the evidence) that it is worthwhile and your Easter will be sweeter for the trials you are experiencing now.