Welcoming Lent: The Call to Change                                  by Karen Pourbabaee

“…attain to the unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the extent of the full stature of Christ.” Ephesians 4:13 NAS

The word “Lent” stems from an Anglo-Saxon word meaning “lengthening of days”. We see that happening already. Spring is arriving. The days are being stretched. More light is entering our world, generating new life shooting up from the earth. There is a creative momentum that can’t be stopped. It’s God-ordained.

Lent, the forty days leading to Easter, can become a special time of new growth. A time to get caught up in God’s creative momentum. It can be a time of spiritual seeking, of learning, and receiving God’s grace to change. To be lengthened and stretched like the days, until we reach the full stature of Christ.
A commitment to observe this season of Lent first requires clearing out some inner space for God. We must shut out the clamor of the world and wait upon Him. Quiet our hearts. And as we turn from the noise of the world, we turn to an opportunity to hear His call to change. God’s call is always tempered by His love, accompanied by His guidance and grace, culminating in His peace.

Dear God…I welcome Your call to change. Bless me with Your guidance and grace as I journey through Lent. Just as the days are lengthening now, God lengthen me! Stretch me and conform me to the image of Your Son, Jesus. Be with me through transformation until that glorious Easter Day when I will arise with Christ in the newness of life. I welcome Lent in my heart. Amen.

Karen is a retired nurse with a lifelong yen to write, she continues her mission in Proverbs 13:17 "A faithful envoy brings healing", in her written works. Contact Read more about the meaning of Lent HERE.