Reliance on God Alone
The days leading up to Easter are a reminder of who Jesus is and what He has done for us. It is a time for us to remember His willingness to give up His life and make the ultimate sacrifice.
We can use this time to practice sacrifice ourselves in remembrance of the sacrifice He made on the cross. One way we can do this is by giving up a comfort or something that may take us away from God so that we are able to spend more time in devotion to Him.
This season is often called Lent, which is described as “a period of fasting, moderation, and self-denial.” (gotquestions.com)
A good reminder from gotquestions.com is this:
“Fasting can be a good thing, and God is pleased when we repent of sinful habits. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with setting aside some time to focus on Jesus’ death and resurrection. However, repenting of sin is something we should be doing every day of the year, not just for the 46 days of Lent.”
What I Am Giving Up
This season, I am giving up online shopping.
I have realized it can be an addiction for me. It is too easy. It leads me to be impulsive. It is something I turn to when I feel bored or when I feel “in need.” Giving it up is a reminder that my reliance and my faith are in God alone.
Scripture says:
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:19 (ESV)
I want to use the moments when I feel “need” to rely on Him, knowing that all of my true needs are fulfilled in Him.
Where Is God Working?
Sometimes it is easy to question where God is working in our lives. At least this has been the case for me. I find myself wondering if my faith is growing while forgetting to ask what steps I am taking to grow my relationship with Him.
The best way to draw close to someone is to spend time with them. In our walk with God, that means spending time in His Word. It looks like opening the Bible and reading Scripture.
What I Am Turning Toward
Giving up online shopping may seem small and unrelated, but giving up something that felt like a “need” allows me to invite in my actual need for God.
I am committing to giving my first fruits to God by reading His Word when I wake up and studying more intentionally over breakfast in the morning.
Reliance on God Alone
When we remove the distractions, we can more clearly see (or come to find out) what is truly important in this life, and that is knowing who our Savior is and following Him.
For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe. - 1 Timothy 4:10
A Personal Invitation
If you feel distant, unsure, or distracted from God, turn back to Him. Spend time in His Word. That is how He speaks to you.
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