Skip to main content

A Lenten Journey of Growth

 


Life is full of in-between moments—those sacred spaces where we are no longer who we were but not yet who we are becoming. These transitions can feel uncertain, yet they are where deep transformation unfolds.

 

Lent mirrors this experience, inviting us into a season of reflection, surrender, and renewal as we journey toward Easter. In Luke 2:52, we glimpse Jesus’ own growth:

 

"And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man." (Luke 2:52)

 

This verse holds profound wisdom for our own seasons of change. Lent calls us to grow—deepening our relationship with God, others, and even ourselves.

 

Lent is not just about giving something up; it is about being formed. Like a seed buried in the soil, we are invited to open space in our lives for God’s shaping work.

  • Growing in Wisdom – True wisdom is more than knowledge; it is the ability to discern truth and live it out. Lent invites us to seek wisdom through Scripture, prayer, and reflection.
  • Growing in Stature – More than physical growth, stature speaks to character. Lent challenges us to develop patience, humility, and self-discipline—virtues that shape who we are becoming.
  • Growing in Favor with God and Others – Our growth is not just personal; it transforms our relationships. Lent calls us to extend grace, seek reconciliation, and serve with love.
  • Surrender Control – We are invited to trust that God is working in the waiting.
  • Cultivate Patience – Growth takes time. A reminder to be patient with ourselves and God’s timing.
  • Stay Rooted in God – Anchoring ourselves to Jesus our hope.

 

Liminal spaces can be uncomfortable, requiring us to let go of the familiar while trusting in what is to come. Whether we are facing personal transitions, spiritual struggles, or simply the call to deeper faith, Lent teaches us to embrace the process:

 

Just as Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, we, too, are invited to grow in this season, trusting that God is shaping us into people of deeper faith, grace, and strength. As Easter approaches, may we step forward not just having walked through Lent, but having been shaped by it—trusting that every in-between moment holds the promise of resurrection and new life.

 

How are you growing in wisdom and stature?


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

October Newsletter

  SHANNON’S CORNER The Saga Continues… The trip to Malaysia consisted of a two-day spiritual retreat with the theme of ‘Come Away With Me’ and a six-day conference with about 230 missionaries who serve in some aspect of translating the Scriptures. One of the many people who I met was a missionary who served in Cameroon for many years and now is in a new role. As he was sharing, most his words were very negative and depressive. I encouraged him to sign up for a time of prayer and care. At the end of the retreat, this missionary shared with me that he did have a session and I could see that his whole countenance changed, and he was hopeful. His new word he used to describe where he was now is ‘delightful.’ Our time there was creating a safe space for these missionaries to have a place to share what they are struggling with and to connect with Jesus. One missionary is at a crossroads in her life. Another finds himself in the midst of betrayal. A missionary is in a new role as a caregi...

September Newsletter

SHANNON’S CORNER Connect. Nurture. Grow. Thank you for your faithfulness in praying for this ministry.  Each debrief is a sacred invitation—a chance to step into someone’s story, even if only for a short stretch of the journey.  It feels a bit like being allowed to glimpse a painting still in progress.  We may not yet see the final picture, but we trust the One who promises to complete the good work He has begun until the day of Christ Jesus (Phil. 1:6). Recently, in an online debrief, the missionary shared: “ I am in a much better place since our initial meeting.  Taking the time to process my lived experience overseas and to grieve the losses, I now feel I have the capacity to move forward here in my new season of life. ” We also had the joy of walking alongside three third culture children. To see their eyes light up as their stories were received with understanding and care was priceless.  These children do not often have many who truly grasp their unique li...

June Newsletter

  SHANNON’S CORNER Connect. Nurture. Grow. Building connection and trust are important in any relationship and especially when wanting to create a safe place for people to share and process their stories. Sometimes with kids and teens it can take a bit of time to foster those connections and trust. A question that is implied is, “Are you safe to share my story with?” Often it is through play these connections are built. Both families who I debriefed serve in Uganda, they serve with different organizations in the capital of Kampala, and both families are in transition. The one sibling group were ages 3, 6, and 8 years old and as I worked with them, I was able to apply some of the principles I learned in play processing. The other sibling group were ages 5, 7, 13, and 14 years old which was a bit of a challenge for me with the large age span. The main thing for all of them was saying goodbye to friends who have come and gone while they were the ones “left behind”, and for the one sib...