The Power of Our Own Resilience (Lent 2025)

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And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness for forty days, tempted by Satan, and he was with the wild beasts, and the angels waited on him.  Mark 1:12–13

As Jesus stood at the edge of the wilderness, he saw an expanse of desolation—the wind, heat, obstacles, danger, and no definable path or exit. It would be natural for fear, anxiety, uncertainty, and despair to envelop every moment. He experienced everything we would, but Jesus was without sin.
 
Recall the instances when, before us, there is a bleak and barren expanse. We begin to doubt, lose hope, and feel isolated and lost. Many feel lost in the wilderness right now.

1 Corinthians reminds us that we may not understand God's plan, but we are led to have the mind of Christ. This is our hope as we enter the holy season of Lent. Jesus stepped forward with faith. Because he had unity with the Spirit, knowing God was with him with perfect love.
 
While the wilderness is daunting, we find hope and gifts. The word of God came to John the Baptist in the wilderness. The beasts did not harm Jesus; they were with him. And the wilderness became a place of reconciliation and healing. It evokes Adam and turning deserts back into the garden. And remember in Revelation, when the woman gave birth, God snatched the boy up and they went into the desert. And, it is in the desert where the devil was defeated.
 
Lent and the wilderness can empower us. We have the ability to explore, deepen our faith, and realize the power of our own resilience. We are not alone. The possibilities and horizon expand as the Spirit guides us.
 
We cannot avoid the desert because we know that Jesus is with us. And always remember, when the devil left Jesus, Jesus was filled with the power of the Spirit and fully understood the coming greatness. And, then he started calling his disciples and building a community.
 
Lent and the wilderness will reveal our path if we are willing to trust and grab the hand of the Spirit. This Lent may serve as an anchor. It anchors us to the truth of God's perfect love for us. It anchors us to the reality that while some things are uncertain, others are known. And it anchors us to the truth that in Jesus, our future is secure.
 
As we journey through the season of Lent, we can take inspiration from Jesus, who stood at the edge of the unknown with the unwavering faith in God's perfect love. You may ask how.
 
Partner with an Episcopal church to share a pulpit, share a ministry, Bible study, or feeding program. We are all companions on this journey.

Partner with an Episcopal church for a community meal. The diocese has funds for the purchase of these meals.

Turn off social media and the news, and take 15 minutes to read Scripture. Try it just during Lent. Start with the Gospel. Read Paul's letters and then discuss with people in your church the meaning.

Take a moment to read Acts - my favorite part of Scripture. It has everything you need to see where God is guiding us.
 
Your diocesan office has numerous resources to support and sustain you as we journey together through Lent and throughout the year. The Spirit that led us here will guide us. Jesus is always with us and will show us the way. We follow Jesus, the Son of God, who teaches us not to fear and to follow Him through the joys and the wilderness of life. God's power works quietly in this world, but it is the true and lasting power.

Always remember, we are not alone, and we have one another, and we have Jesus Christ. Throughout all time, He proves to be the only One who endures and saves. God bless you. Most holy Lent. And know that I'm praying for you. 

God bless you, 


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