“We boast also in tribulations, knowing that tribulation actively generates obedience, and obedience generates proven character, and proven character generates hope. And hope does not bring to shame, because love of God is poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit which is given to us.”

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, forty days of fasting set to prepare our hearts especially for our celebration of the Resurrection. It is, traditionally, a time of preparation, of self-denial. During Lent we turn the soil of our hearts and sow seeds of righteousness so that we can reap a harvest of joy on Resurrection Sunday and the months to follow. Fasting, then, is a choice–a choice to deny myself some good thing so that I can feel my deep, unchanging need for God in my body. The goal of our fasting is outlined in those verses from Paul above: I am engaging in a physical trial (a fast), the fast will produce obedience. Obedience will produce proven character, and proven character will produce hope. Through it all I will rely on the Holy Spirit. We must keep this perspective on our fasting! That the ultimate goal of Lent is to be filled with both Hope and the Holy Spirit come Resurrection Sunday! May your fasting this year be guided and blessed by the God you are seeking to know and serve.