God’s Lenten Preparation for Me
By Gina Sternfels
Looking ahead to Lenten preparation, what are you planning to do with God this year? Do you wonder how God is calling you closer to him? Where in life does he want you to focus? Is it obvious or are you trying to figure it out?
Recently, I have been blessed to work with Beth, The Catholic Fasting Coach, and her beautiful community. I am amazed at what I have learned about fasting with her guidance, and I would have thought I should have known more as a cradle Catholic.
She has me reflecting, earlier this year, about having the best Lent, so I am looking ahead with more intention than ever before.
I get to ask these questions in my prayer time with God. I do not need to do what I feel I “should.” Being a sensitive person, I “feel” lots of stuff, which is not always reliable, and I am pretty critical of myself, so listening to my “shoulds” is not helpful.
Many of my feelings are old things that resurface, triggered by events of the day or just the stress of the world. So, I get to learn about myself through what God has called me to do in this season of my life.
I know he calls me to a deeper understanding of what Lent has to offer me through spiritual fasting with him. What an opportunity for more reflection and a deeper relationship; I uncover the worldly things that get in my way of receiving his graces.
As Beth shares, we can have an “A why that makes us cry!”
I can prayerfully choose the intention of who or what I am fasting and praying for in my life that only our “Supernatural Father” can do. In those sacrifices of Lent, God can use all we offer.
In Matthew 17:21, Jesus tells his disciples, “But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” So, we are called to prayer AND fasting. We can grow closer to Jesus any day, especially during Lent as the body of Christ in the Catholic Church.
Where are you struggling in life that you can use the help and love of Jesus? It may be an intention for someone you love. Let that prayer help you fast more intentionally this Lent, because you know anything is possible through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen!
If you want to learn more about Beth, The Catholic Fasting Coach, check out her podcast, “Delay and Pray,” or go to her website, http://www.thecatholicfastingcoach.com.
