Lent Week 2 Sunday

 Mark 1:12-14

The Spirit sent him out into the wilderness, and he was in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.

James 1:3 The testing of your faith produces perseverance.

As we step into Lent, we are reminded that Jesus spent forty days in the wilderness before starting His ministry.

Throughout scripture we read of many characters who experienced the wilderness, usually before they stepped into a significant calling.

We all walk through wilderness times, those spiritually dry places where God teaches us to trust Him. It's often in the middle of the bleakest desert that God heals us and sets us free from false narratives that hold us captive.

Lent Spiritual Prompt

Why do you think the Spirit led Jesus out into the wilderness to be tempted?

In the desert of daily routine can you learn to find value in the humblest tasks?

Pray

Father, you've led me to this wilderness to heal me, change me, and reveal yourself to me. I trust in your plan for me as well as your willingness and ability to provide for me here. I don't want to grumble.

I want to thank you for all the gifts you have given me. Whatever happens to me in life, dear Lord, even when the road is rocky and leads me through wild or frightening passes, help me to hold on tight to you.

Thank you for the endurance and courage of Jesus, and his steadfastness in temptation. May I learn from him, may my faith in him never fail, and may I grow more like him as I follow - slowly, stum-blingly - after him. Amen.