The Breath of Lentਨਮੂਨਾ

Lent is more a time of observance than celebration. During those days before His glorious resurrection, Jesus became the target of hatred, deceit, lies, and pain. Christ knew His days on earth were numbered, yet His focus never waned from the mission.

The Colossians scripture is a declaration by the apostle Paul, whom God had called to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles. The Jews hotly contested this ministry. This God-given ministry caused Paul much suffering. Yet he learned a life of suffering still brought glory to God, which was the fuel that saw him through every trial.

Possibly, today is a day that brings suffering for you. You may ask "why" as you have been following Christ closely. Difficulty and trial are an opportunity to prove the power of Christ within you by the way you receive and handle it.

Proclaiming Christ through suffering, as Paul reminds us, will need to be "strenuously contended" or stay razor-focused on God for eventual victory to be assured. Paul's life proved and encouraged fellow believers to hold fast with this proclamation: "Christ in you, the hope of glory." May this be your breath prayer this week:

Inhale: Christ in me,

Exhale: The hope of glory.