40 Day Challenge--Are You Up for It?

Today is the start of Lent, a 40 day season leading up to the celebration of Easter. During this time Christ-followers find themselves practicing prayer, sacrifice, fasting, repentance, and giving, as we approach our annual remembrance of Christ's death on the cross--for us. And joyfully, His resurrection. 

Last Easter was the first Easter in my life that I was truly STRUCK by God's sacrifice of His Son and overcome by the incomprehensible gift of eternity that resulted from Jesus' suffering and death. During the worship music, I remember my chest feeling as if it would explode in gratitude for our Lord. And tears of deep thanks swept my cheeks as I reflected on this unwarranted gift of salvation I've received, that each one of us has the opportunity to accept. 

This Lent, I desire to focus my attention on HIM: to prepare my soul for this Easter's celebration, to feel the weight of His sacrifice, to give to His people as He has given to me, to fast as He fasted, to hear God's infinite wisdom, and to celebrate the glory of God. In an effort to do this, I'm creating a 40 day challenge. I eagerly implore you to join me in this endeavor to honor our Savior! Please consider sharing this opportunity with others!!! If you're up for it, here's challenge number one:

40 DAY CHALLENGE--DAY 1:

Set aside ten distraction-free minutes and place yourself in a posture of prayer (lying face down, kneeling, bowing your head, looking up to heaven, arms outstretched, etc.). Ask God to quiet your mind, releasing you from to-do lists and anxieties so you can hear HIS voice. Breathe in the peace that only He can offer, while praying for His guidance in your life. When God answers, in His time, pray for the desire to serve Him out of joy, not duty, having the courage to be radically obedient to His will. Lastly, ask God how He wants YOU to prepare for this year's Easter celebration. 

Please join me tomorrow for Day 2 in our 40 day challenge! I'm excited to start this journey with you! May God be with us every step of the way!