Greetings! We are now officially in the Lenten season—and if we are honest, some of us may not even have all the Christmas decorations packed away yet. Time keeps moving whether we are ready or not. For many of you, this winter has not just been long—it has been heavy.
Lent can feel heavy too.
It is the season where we intentionally slow down and face the truth about ourselves. Our humanity. Our weakness. Our sin. We reflect on why Christ had to come—why there had to be a cross—why there had to be a Savior to make a way back to the Father.
That kind of reflection is uncomfortable. But discomfort is not our enemy. Conviction is often the doorway to renewal.
Maybe you have drifted.
Maybe pride quietly took root.
Maybe temptation has lingered longer than you would like to admit.
Lent invites us to stop pretending and start surrendering.
Before Jesus ever performed a miracle… before He preached a sermon… before He faced the cross… He was baptized. And heaven opened.
“This is My Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17)
Validation came before the wilderness.
That affirmation mattered, because immediately after, Jesus was led into the wilderness to be tempted. He did not stumble into it. He was led there. And He went willingly.
The Son of God did not need to prove anything. Yet He chose to step into hunger, isolation, and confrontation with Satan so that no one could ever say, “You don’t understand what I’m facing.”
He understands.
He was tempted—fully, intensely, personally—and yet He did not sin. Not because temptation isn’t powerful, but because His trust in the Father was greater. He answered every lie with truth. Every distortion with Scripture. Every attack with obedience.
And here is the gift He leaves us:
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)
Notice it does not say you will avoid temptation.
It says you will not face it alone.
There is always a way of escape. Always grace available. Always strength accessible.
Jesus told us, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
That is not motivational language. That is victory language.
Because He overcame sin, death, and temptation, we are not fighting for victory—we are fighting from victory.
So, when the pull feels strong… call on Him.
When the burden feels too heavy… lean into Him.
When you feel trapped… look for the door He promised would be there.
Temptation does not have to defeat you. It can refine you. It can drive you deeper into dependence. It can become the very place where your faith grows muscle.
This Lenten season, do not rush past the wilderness. Sit in it. Let God expose what needs to be surrendered. Lay down the pride. Release the secret struggle. Bring the hidden things into His light.
Cast your cares at His feet. Take up His yoke. Let Him break chains you have carried for far too long.
Because on the other side of surrender is freedom.
On the other side of repentance is renewal.
On the other side of the wilderness is resurrection.
Lean in.
Victory is already secured.
Shalom,
Pastor Penny
