Preparing Your Heart

This week, as we continue our journey, let’s focus on preparing our hearts, minds, and bodies for what God has called us to do, just as Jesus prepared himself in the days leading up to his crucifixion.

Before Jesus endured the cross, He went through a period of intense spiritual, mental, and physical preparation. His journey to Calvary was not just about the suffering of the cross but about the obedience, discipline, and surrender leading up to it.

Heart Preparation: Surrendering to God's Will

In Gethsemane, Jesus poured out his heart before the Father, saying, "Not my will, but yours be done." (Luke 22:42). His heart was fully surrendered to God's plan, even though it meant suffering.

For us, this Lenten season calls us to search our hearts. Are we holding onto our will instead of surrendering to God’s? Are we carrying burdens we need to release? Let’s take time in prayer, confession, and worship to align our hearts with God’s purpose.

Mind Preparation: Strengthening in the Word

Throughout his ministry, Jesus continually leaned on scripture. Even when tempted in the wilderness, he responded with, “It is written” (Matthew 4:4). He prepared his mind by standing firm on God's truth.

For us, the enemy attacks our thoughts, but we can prepare our minds by meditating on scripture, fasting from distractions, and replacing lies with God’s truth. How are you renewing your mind during this Lenten season?

Body Preparation: Fasting and Endurance

Jesus fasted for 40 days before stepping into his public ministry (Matthew 4:2), and he physically endured pain on his journey to the cross. His body was not exempt from suffering, but he remained faithful through it.

For us, Lent invites us to discipline our bodies through fasting, not just from food, but from anything that distracts us from God. Whether it’s social media, unhealthy habits, or unnecessary comforts, denying ourselves helps us grow spiritually and depend more on him.