Tomorrow begins our final seven-day stretch on our countdown to Easter. I’ve often wondered what was going through the mind of Jesus as he knew his time on earth was wrapping up. Over the next week will examine some of those things through scripture.
But before we begin the final countdown, I wanted to do one last check-in. How’s it going? How do you feel? Are you more connected spiritually, less connected? What about that thing you’ve given up – did it get harder or easier?
Let me know in the comments below. There are no right or wrong answers, just a safe place for honest reflection.
Being our last reflection post, I thought I would do something a little different.
Here is MY prayer for you:
Father, as we enter our last week on this journey together, would you meet us where we are. Over the last few weeks, some feel stronger and closer to you, while others have struggled and are tired. Be close to us all, remind us that your sacrifice on the cross was for everyone, for we all need your grace to finish the race.
Hello this journey if giving up something for someone has been both spiritually opening but challenging. It so crazy how I’ve let technology (social media) replace my time of stress. I’ve been praying every time I get the urge to click on that app but I still feel this weirdness inside of me. After these 40 day I would like to still continue practicing to stay off social media because I don’t like the feeling that it has a hold of me. This has been over all a great spiritual challenge for me and I am happy to have been a part of this with the community.
I also gave up social media. I used to start my day/end my day with fb/next door. Now I start my day with devotion time and my own bible study. Such a more positive way to begin the day! I had been in a group a few years ago where the women mentioned this was how they started their day. Now I get it! Another friend and I discuss the verses while she is driving to work. I have learned so much and added peace to my life.
I think I found it more difficult as time went on. I know Jesus can preform miracles, but if He can get ahold of the person I’m praying for, it will definitely be a miracle. As I realized how difficult it was for me to even imagine this happening, I felt discouraged. Even giving up something I truly struggled to give up, I found my prayers to become pleas.
I gave up social media and realized how much I was using it just to try to release stress but in reality it caused more stress and negative feelings. Instead I’m praying more, reading my Bible more, seeking His face and listening to Him more. I pray for my person daily and the three more I added with the light bulb and got good news about one of them today.
These past few weeks have drawn me so much closer to Jesus. Every day was a challenge for me with the thing I gave up…but each time I was challenged I was reminded to pray for my person. The daily reflections were so amazing each day! Thank you.
It certainly wasn’t easy to give up what I gave up, but compared to what Our Lord did for us, it was easy.
Thank you RLC and Rusty for the 40 Days of Easter. The Daily Devotional has been a blessing.