Well, the first week of Lent is behind us. Okay, it wasn’t a full seven day week, but at least we can feel some sense of accomplishment, right?

For me, I have had better starts to fasting seasons, but it has still been very beneficial for me. It seems I got the flu while on vacation, and because this is the 5th time I’ve been sick since Thanksgiving, I’m really getting over the whole “lying around” thing. To make it worse, fasting isn’t usually good when you’re sick, so I haven’t been as stringent as I should be - eating before sunset and having an applesauce around lunch.

However, there is good here for me for two reasons: First, I can always get back on the horse. A fasting season is often like our walk with Jesus. You may fall off one day, but each new day gives us a chance for a fresh start. It’s like the Word says in Lamentations 3:22-23: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

Plus, if being sick all Winter reminds me of anything valuable, it is just how finite I actually am. When I’m sleeping for 16-hours a day, being called “dust” actually seems generous. At least dust gets blown around by the wind from time to time. As much as I miss my strength and vigor, I still see the Lord moving around me in the lives of the people in our church. God doesn’t need me to be healthy for Him to do great things. Sometimes, it’s nice to sit in our limitations and watch God move. Although, I’d really like to get back to moving around normally myself this week, if the Lord wills!

Here’s to a new week for you! Be encouraged, seek the Lord, be open to whatever it is He wants to accomplish this week.

In Christ,

PD