3 Life-Changing Reasons to Extend Your Lenten Activities

I’ve discovered 3 life-changing Lenten activities that have strengthened my faith, so I will extend them after the Lenten season ends. Yep, you read that right. Extend my Lenten activities! Will you consider joining me?

I have difficulty thinking about what I want to do for Lent every year.

Last year, nothing came to me, and the beginning of Lent came and went.

But I didn’t forget about it. I prayed. And what I was led to do was amazing!

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Life-Changing Lenten Activities – Strengthen Your Relationship with God

It wasn’t until several days into Lent that I knew what I would do.

I gave my mind and body to God. In case you’re wondering, I’m not very good at it. I struggled and failed.

Every. Single. Day.

But Romans 12:1 has been speaking to me.

It reads, “And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice – the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him”. (NLT)

And so, every time I failed, I stopped and turned back to Jesus. Which means that I have turned back over and over.

I’ve been more focused on Jesus during this Lenten season than ever before. I’m humbled at how little and imperfect my offering was… yet it was accepted as true worship.

And I do not want that to stop. 

 

Life-Changing Lenten Activities – Strengthen Your Mind and Body

I’ve learned some wonderful things in a short amount of time. I’ve learned that my daily quiet time doesn’t have to be long or a big production.

I had this picture in my mind of what I ‘should’ be doing during this time. But it doesn’t have to be perfect. I wanted to have this quiet, 20-30 minute meditative time with God.

And I love this time when it rolls out this way!

Unfortunately, some mornings just won’t allow it.

Before this, I would skip it and start my day. During Lent, if I didn’t have much time, I still spent 3-5 minutes in grateful prayer. I loved this time too!

And I do not want that to stop.

I’ve also put more focus on what I eat and how I treat my body. Probably like you, I enjoy eating more than exercise…but I find the Holy Spirit’s power of self-discipline to be way stronger than any willpower tool I’ve ever tried.

When I give my mind and body to God, I find it easier to make healthier choices.

And I do not want that to stop.

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Life-Changing Lenten Activities – Strengthen Your Relationship with Others

I expected that giving my mind and body to God would be exhausting. Quite the opposite was true. Like you, I have willpower. I know how to apply it, quite effectively actually, but it took a lot of energy.

Self-discipline does not take up my energy.

When I gave my mind and body to the Lord, He provided the self-discipline. The energy came from Him.

I then had the energy for my family.

My friends.

And, my enemies.

I had the energy to overlook insults and offenses. I had the energy to forgive and move on…quickly.

And, because I was not exhausted, I was able to keep my eyes open and see. I saw when people needed me to love them. And because I had the energy to do it, I did it!

And I do not want that to stop.

Why Should You Continue Your Lenten Activities After Easter?

Extending your Lenten activities may be a bit out of the norm and may raise an eyebrow or two (or 72!).

But I think the benefits are worth it. I’ve never done another Lenten activity that strengthened my relationship with Christ, strengthened my mind and body, and strengthened my relationship with others.

It’s worth it, even if you fail.

What was your Lenten activity? Will you consider extending it?

How to Continue Lenten Activities After Easter:

• Set a daily reminder to spend time with God.
  
• Continue small sacrifices as an act of worship.
  
• Choose one key Lenten habit to sustain long-term. Click here for fresh ideas for Lent.

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Related Posts:

Fresh Lent Ideas for a Meaningful Lenten Season

What Did Jesus Do During Lent: Finding Meaning In It

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