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

Post a Comment

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...
Post a Comment
Read more

April Newsletter

  SHANNON’S CORNER Be still. Be present. Behold. The prayer labyrinth is a journey that draws us closer to the heart of God with every step.  It’s a path where we listen, trust, and follow, knowing that He is always guiding us.  As we walk this path of prayer, we learn to recognize His voice, to lean into His presence, and to surrender to His direction.  It’s not just about where we’re going—it’s about who we’re walking with.  Lent this year has been a journey of walking inward toward the center of the labyrinth. Along the way, releasing my burdens to Jesus who is my beast of burden (Zec. 9:9), the One who carries what I cannot.  Arriving at the center, I find a resting place for my soul (Mt. 11:28-30) and resting in God’s loving embrace as He makes room for the new to spring up within me (Is. 43:18-19).  Now I’m journeying out of the labyrinth with the anointing of His presence and with an overflowing cup (Ps 23:5). Such an honor a...
Post a Comment
Read more

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...
Post a Comment
Read more