Lent is about taking time to remember what Christ did by defeating evil. There were many times throughout Jesus’ ministry when he demonstrated God’s almighty power over worldly things and evil things. However, Lent is when we remember Jesus’ direct battles (3x’s) with the devil in the wilderness (likely a desert type of place, not so much woods like we would think of “wilderness” in PA). In Matthew, Mark, and Luke he is tempted before he even begins ministry for God in his life. It is right after he is baptized by his cousin, John the Baptist. 

Some people choose to give something up for Lent because it reminds us of how hard it is to fight the temptation to have whatever we gave up. It also reminds us God loves us even though we are not perfect. So if we do not do perfectly giving up whatever we tried to, God does not expect us to be perfect and calls us back to reach his arms out and love us anyway. God wants us to try our best to be good people and to appreciate what Jesus did, but God will love us even on our bad days. 

This year, we had something very interesting happen in the middle of our Lenten season in the Lutheran church and other Christian churches. We were forced to give up MANY THINGS!! Think for a moment all you have had to give up in this time of quarantine and staying at home so we don’t get sick or get other people sick. Think about all you did not expect. Think about how tempting it is to see those we miss. Think about what we are frustrated we cannot do or things we cannot have right now. This is truly a unique Lent experience for everyone this year because we give up a lot of freedom and a lot of time for different things. 

Just as Jesus came out and defeated the devil, we know God is faithful to all of God’s people. God created each and every one of us. God promises to be with us ALWAYS, EVERYWHERE, and through EVERYTHING. 

I have seen many blessings in being stuck at home, have you? Some things I have noticed are that people are spending time with the people they live with. Sometimes we are able to wave to neighbors we don't often see when we are busy. Maybe we get to hug our pets more. Maybe we have a chance to do a fun craft or spend time learning in a new way. We are able to keep in touch through computers, phone calls, and video messages and chats. 

God is blessing our time in a new way. We must continue to look for the good. We can do our best to use this extra time at home in whatever way we can. We can enjoy nature. The sun is shining more and it is warm on our faces finally after a long and cool rainy winter! 

So yes, we will be stuck in this situation of being at home a little while longer, but I hope you can find ways to use your time wisely and use it to be a blessing to someone else (from 6 feet apart, of course). 

So, I wish God’s blessings be upon you! I wish you will find the good more than the temptations. I wish that you will see the promises and power of God working in those who are helping others. I hope you will feel that power and know God is still with us, past, present, and in the future even though it is unknown! 

May the peace and power of Christ that is beyond all understanding surround you and open your eyes to God’s love and goodness in the world.

Amen!