A Season of Renewal

Much fasting, praying and repenting is done during the forty days of Lent. And those who do should emerge from this holy season renewed. But do we? Do we genuinely seek renewal that will last or is it just an Ash Wednesday to Glorious Saturday kind of thing?

Lent is without a doubt a time of repentance. But how authentic are you in your determination to turn to God and away from sinfulness? Are you even now experiencing a Spirit-empowered move to change the course of your current lifestyle? Does the thought of turning away, of letting go of the old cause you despair?

“Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace.” – 2 Corinthians 4:16 (MSG)

Repentance is the first step toward renewal. It should not lead to feelings of despair but to shouts of praise to a God who so loved you that He gave His only begotten Son to die by cruel crucifixion for you to have a great life.

When you encounter the living God in a tangible way, you become keenly aware of the inadequacy of the life you are living. You just know that there is something missing and an emptiness engulfs every part of your being.

You may not realize what’s happening at first but then a light switch is turned on and you feel compelled to repent, to change direction, to make an about turn from sin and journey toward Him. Everything seems to have turned upside down but yet somehow you know that it is now right side up.

The life you have been living is ending and something new is beginning. Renewal!

God blots out your sins and does not remember them – He does not hold your sins against you. All because of His grace toward you. Understand that God’s grace is not a one-time outpour, it meets us again and again consistently unfolding throughout our lives.

Ending and beginning is characteristic of renewal and it’s a never-ending experience as you commune with the risen Lord. Your entire life becomes a season of renewal as you grow from one level to the next in faith.

Lent will soon come to a close, but the season of renewal will not. Be encouraged, over the next few days, to repent with intention after serious reflection…

“So repent (change your mind and purpose); turn around and return [to God], that your sins may be erased (blotted out, wiped clean), that times of refreshing (of recovering from the effects of heat, of reviving with fresh air) may come from the presence of the Lord” – Acts 3:19 (AMPC)

 

Amen †

 

 

Shelley Johnson “A Season of Renewal” © April 5, 2025