Lent is a season of self-examination, repentance, and spiritual renewal. Imagine a blacksmith refining gold. He places it in the fire, not to destroy it, but to purify and strengthen it. The heat removes impurities, leaving behind something more valuable and radiant.
In the same way, Lent is God’s refining fire—a season where He tests our hearts, purifies our love, and strengthens our faith. When we pray, “Test me, O God” (Psalm 139:23), we invite Him to search us, remove what is impure, and shape us into vessels of His grace.
Testing reveals the heart. God’s testing is not to condemn us but to reveal what is hidden within us. Just as fire refines gold (Malachi 3:3), trials refine our faith. Lent calls us to let God search our hearts, removing pride, selfishness, and sin.
Testing reveals our love for God. Deuteronomy 13:3 says: “The Lord your God is testing you to find out whether you love Him with all your heart and soul.” Lent challenges us to ask: Do we love God above all things, or have we placed comfort, ambition, or possessions before Him? Through fasting, prayer, and almsgiving, we realign our love for God.
Testing strengthens our faith. James 1:2-3 reminds us that trials produce perseverance. Jesus, in the wilderness, overcame temptation through prayer, fasting, and Scripture (Matthew 4:1-11). Likewise, Lent invites us to trust God even in hardships, knowing He is preparing us for greater things.
How Should We Respond? Examine our hearts daily—Repent of hidden sins. Embrace fasting and sacrifice—Surrender distractions. Trust God in trials—See suffering as refinement.
The reward of testing. Testing leads to transformation. Jesus, after being tested, emerged ready for His mission (Luke 4:14). May we, through Lent, be purified, renewed, and strengthened in faith, ready to embrace the joy of Easter’s victory.