The Lenten Journey

Lenten Journey
I enjoy spiritual fiction. It often casts light on the common struggles in the lives of humanity.

Recently I read “The Shack” it reminded me of the Peretti books and how humans consciously and unconsciously relate to God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit as well, angels and demons.

The Lenten season is a special time of year for me. It is significant in that I have a structured opportunity to go on a reflective spiritual journey. Journeys are not always a pleasant trip, they are not a vacation; they are a journey and there are good and bad times. There are light and heavy times. Those times are a significant part of the journey, an opportunity to move from one place to another. In the process (Journey), you will experience much! You must open yourself up to the experience. Strive to notice, feel and embrace the journey. Learn from the experience!

This Lenten season I am using a journey guide prepared and written by Bill Ekhardt. The guide is at his blog “Ekhardt.com”. The daily focus this week has been on Ephesians chapter 4. One of instructions set forth in chapter 4 is to avoid the dark side or the demons of Despair, Fear, Anger, Hatred, Bitterness, Rage, and Slander. Ephesians 4:27 says, “Don’t give the devil a way to defeat you”! The instruction spoke to me. I struggle with FORGIVNESS. To me it was mine to give and I guess based on free will it is but, in reality, it is one of the Spirit’s greatest strengths used to fight the battle with darkness. This week I realize as part of my journey, by the grace of God, I need to forgive; I need forgiveness in the battle!

In Peretti’s “The Present Darkness” the theme that angels represent COURAGE, HOPE, and FAITH and are prepared to battle the dark demons on behalf of the saints. It is a good illustration of my struggles as a human. I feel that struggle this year. Do you? I want to do my part to win the battle. I have, at times, let the darkness win. Those are times that I was not in step with the Lord. Despair, hate, anger and bitterness sat on my chest and my heart; a full 36 (24/7) the darkness was me. I let the angel warriors down, I let myself down. I let God down. This is a heavy part of the journey. I realized I had to come back to my walk with Jesus Christ; I could not do it alone. I need the help of all the angels to do battle with the darkness. I always knew this but, whether it was pride or other human frailties, I thought I was the center and had control. I am NOT the center and I DO NOT have the control. To win I needed help! So, I asked for help. How and what happens?

You come back to God, He is always there and He will ALWAYS be there! You pray, you ask for strength and you begin to battle. Within an instant, the darkness weakens. Remember this, the instant you ask for help the darkness diminishes, the battle continues but, you are not alone in the battle! In fact, you will have more Strength and Courage to battle! God will lift you; the Holy Comforter will surround you and fill you with warmth, peace and courage! Jesus Christ takes on the battle and as always battles for you and for me! Peace, Love and Goodness now surrounds you. What wonderful protection.

This season I remember, we must use KINDNESS, COMPASSION and FORGIVNESS to win. To fight the battle, we must FORGIVE others as the Lord forgave and continues to forgive us! As despair and darkness diminish, you will realize the comfort of Hope, Faith and Love.

Pray hard! Peace be with you this season.