Lent isn’t just a New Year’s resolution or a time to practice something you should already be doing. Lent is a 40-day period before Easter–the acknowledgement of Christ’s life, death, and the celebration of his resurrection–that Christians participate in for fasting, prayer, and other ways of reflection for the sake of the faith.
Junior Jessie Temoshenko said, “Lent is man-made, but it was made with the beautiful intention to imitate Christ’s act of fasting and being tempted–although he did not sin–for 40 days. It’s an act of worship and obedience, which really grows your heart in Christ.”
In Matthew 4:1-4 (NIV) the scriptures read, “Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, ‘If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.’ Jesus answered, ‘It is written: Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
But how did Jesus’s experience being tempted bring such a thing about?
Junior Luke Yunn said, “Lent is a tradition practiced by Christians which dates back to the fourth century where there is a 40 day fasting period that ends at the time of Easter. 40 days are spent because Jesus spent 40 days in the desert in prayer and fasting!”
No matter how long you’ve been in the faith, you may have not even heard of Lent. Perhaps you have, but you never knew what it really meant, or were too young to practice it with meaning. Thankfully, there are some in the body who have been practicing it for many years to teach those of us who are somewhat new!
Yunn said, “This is going to be my second year practicing Lent. Last year I gave up lunch so I could spend more time in the scriptures!”
It is not always required or necessary to do a full food fast during this time period. Especially for women, or younger people, it can be difficult or even harmful. If you are called to do a full or semi-full fast, please be sure to seek spiritual guidance from the Father, and do NOT starve yourself.
“I’ve been practicing Lent for as long as I can remember. It’s something that I was taught and encouraged [to do] by my church and family,” said Temoshenko. “I’ve always practiced it by going the no-sweets route…but God may be calling me to something else this Lent season.”
A factor that plays an extremely crucial role in how to cultivate a spiritually satisfying Lent season is heart posture. Heart posture is “the condition and position of our hearts and how they respond to God,” (Read more).
“Before I came to know Jesus as my Lord and Savior, I honestly only participated in Lent because I was raised in it–I really didn’t know the meaning. Now that I practice Lent with good intentions, it’s something I look forward to every year,” said Temoshenko. “And the good part is, you [don’t have to only] fast during Lent, you can fast anytime God calls you to. Fasting truly grows my relationship with the Lord. It’s so beautifully intimate.”
Thankfully, in the body, we have an encouraging community all around us, and that can help each and every one of us who participate in Lent and other faith-based things to do things wholeheartedly for the Lord.
“I practice Lent because it is a good time for me to grow spiritually with my brothers and sisters in Christ,” said Yunn. “It also helps prepare me for the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ our Lord!”
But what do we do for Lent? Why do some people completely give up food and others give up things like chocolate, or social media? It all comes down to this: fasting is important for the faith walk, whether it is for a yearly fasting time or just on your own.
Yunn said, “This year I am going to do a ‘Daniel Fast,’ which is just fruits, veggies, grains, and nuts. I believe it will help me in living in the spirit, and even my physical health.”
Truth be told, Lent or any kind of fasting can be difficult, especially when you are used to doing or eating something and you have to suddenly drop it for 40 days. It’s important to go into fasting with a mind set on the Lord and His ability to provide.
“Facing–and overcoming–temptation is difficult, but with just a mustard seed amount of faith, God will overcome everything,” said Temoshenko. “With God, nothing is impossible (Luke 1:37). And when your foundation is built strong on Christ, you won’t even be shaken by temptation.”
Don’t let your perception of fasting get in the way of what God is calling you to this season! Lent is a great opportunity for all of us in the body!
“What’s better than having 40 days of being purely mindful of God and His grace? Though, it’s great to have that every day,” said Yunn. “Lent is a good time to start spiritual practice and start healing!”
And may we not forget our loving Savior, Jesus Christ, who is the whole reason why we have faith-based things to partake in such as Lent!
“Fasting brings you closer to God for sure. And since Lent is a replica of Jesus fasting [for] 40 days (Matthew 4:1-11), you’re living the life–and struggle, because he was tempted–of Jesus,” Temoshenko said. “Also, some evil spirits can only be cast out with prayer and fasting (Matthew 17:21).”
It’s time to take action for the sake of your soul, and Lent is a great time to begin your faith journey.
Yunn said, “If anything is getting in the way [of] your relationship with God, start now! Don’t go back to it after Lent is over. Take care of your soul. It’s precious.”
Opinions expressed in The Knight Times are solely those of the author and interviewees and do not reflect the official views, policies or positions of Knoch High School or the Knoch School District.
