By Kara Irvin

Hi New Hope Family! 

Today marks the first day of Lent. Lent is a time of 40 days (not counting Sundays) of fasting and mourning over our sin and idols in our lives that we put before Christ.

It is also a time to reflect on the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. The season of Lent is a reminder to our daily lives to constantly be aware of those habits or idols that take away from using our time, talents, and gifts for God. 

Many people use the lenten season to fast from the habits, idols or food they feel have a stronghold on their life over their relationship with Christ. Fasting is a great biblical practice, Jesus even encourages believers to fast, but He also wants us to check our hearts for fasting. 

Fasting for Glory, Not Yourself

Matthew 6:16-18 says, 16 “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

It is easy to grumble and complain to others about your fasting. It is also easy to be boastful about our fasting, especially posting about it on social media.

 As we enter into this season of Lent, I am convicted by the following questions: 

1. Am I participating in fasting during Lent to glorify myself or to glorify God? 

2. Is my fasting setting a positive example for others?

3. What can I do to better serve God with my time, talents or gifts? 

May God continue to grow us in this season of Lent as we reflect on God’s wonderful gift of salvation through Jesus. May we come before Him with a humble heart, continue to repent of our sin and consecrate our lives to Him.

Blessings, 

~Kara Irvin