We’re now several days into Lent 2026. Ash Wednesday’s words, “Remember you are dust and to dust you shall return,” still echo. The ashes have been washed off, but the invitation remains. Walk these 40 days with open hands, honest hearts, and eyes fixed on Jesus.
Lent isn’t a punishment or a performance. It’s a wilderness season; a time of simplicity, self-denial, reflection, and dependence. This season’s designed to strip away distractions so we can abide more deeply in Christ. Jesus Himself was by the Spirit into the wilderness (Luke 4:1). When he returned from that experience, He wasn’t weakened, but “in the power of the Spirit.” (Luke 4:14). The same Holy Spirit who led Christ leads us. The same nearness that sustained our Lord sustains us.
This post explores how abiding in Christ becomes the anchor through Lent’s wilderness. We’ll look at Jesus’ temptation (Luke 4), Paul’s call to a life of sacrifice (Romans 12), and the promise of resurrection union (Romans 6). Each section includes practical steps to help you stay near to Jesus day by day. Not to earn grace, but to receive it more fully.
Led into the Wilderness by the Holy Spirit
Key Verse: Luke 4:1-2
Jesus didn’t wander into the wilderness. He was led there by the Holy Spirit, right after His baptism. The wilderness wasn’t a detour or punishment; it was preparation. It was where the Lord’s dependence was deepened, His identity was tested, and Scripture became His only food.
Lent mirrors Christ’s wilderness experience. We, too, are led into a wilderness of sorts. It may not be the desert, but it’s a place with fewer comforts, more silence, and honest reflection. The temptation is to see it as a failure or abandonment.
We may feel distant from God. But abiding in Christ reminds us: the Spirit leads us here. He doesn’t leave us here. The wilderness is not the end. It’s the training ground for resurrection power at Easter.
Application
Today, name one “wilderness” element of your Lent (fasting, added prayer, simplicity, dryness). Thank the Spirit for leading you into it. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you with this prayer: “Dearest Lord, You led Jesus into the wilderness. Lead me, too, and stay near.” Let that prayer anchor you through the day.
Living By Every Word of God
Key Verse: Luke 4:4
The first temptation was practical: turn stone to bread. Jesus was legitimately hungry. Yet He refused to meet His need on the enemy’s terms. He lived by God’s Word; it was His true food, His identity, and His strength.
Lent often involves fasting or giving up something. The wilderness strips away what we think we can’t live without. The ultimate purpose is to learn what we truly can’t live without: God’s Word. When we abide close to Jesus, Scripture becomes nourishment, not just information. It becomes life.
Application
Choose one verse or phrase to carry throughout the day. Consider Luke 4:4 WEB, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’” When hunger (physical, emotional, spiritual) arises, return to your verse. Let God’s Word feed you more than the thing you’ve set aside.
Worshipping God Alone
Key Verse: Luke 4:8
The second temptation was power. The evil one showed Jesus all the kingdoms of the world for one act of worship. Jesus refused. Worship belongs to God alone.
Lent reveals what we’re tempted to worship instead: success, comfort, approval, and control. The wilderness strips illusions so we see clearly that only God is worthy. Nearness strengthens us to say no to lesser things and yes to Him.
Application
Identify one “kingdom” temptation (something you’re tempted to bow to instead of God). Speak aloud or write: “I will worship the Lord my God and Him only.” Let that declaration be your prayer today.
Trusting, Not Testing
Key Verse: Luke 4:12
The evil one then tempted Jesus to force God’s hand. The temptation for Jesus to jump off the temple and let the angels catch Him. It sounded spiritual and was based on God’s Word (Psalm 91:12), but it was testing God instead of trusting Him.
Lent can tempt us to test God, too, by demanding visible results from our discipline and wanting certainty instead of trusting Him. The wilderness teaches us to trust without testing and to obey without guarantees.
Application
Name one place where you’re tempted to “jump” (to demand proof or force an outcome). Pray: “I will not put You to the test, my Lord. I trust You no matter what.” Rest in that trust today.
Strengthened by the Spirit
Key verse: Luke 4:14
The wilderness didn’t end Jesus’ testing forever, but He emerged strong. The same Holy Spirit who led Him into the wilderness empowered Him to come out.
Lent isn’t about surviving. It’s about being strengthened. Nearness means we don’t walk alone. The Spirit who led Jesus leads us, too. The wilderness reveals weakness, but it also reveals His power in us.
Application
Pause once today and pray: “Holy Spirit, fill and guide me with Your power.” Rely on His strength for one Lenten challenge or daily task. Thank Him for leading and strengthening you.
Offering Our Lives as Worship
Key Verse: Romans 12:1
Paul calls us to offer our whole lives as a living sacrifice; a daily posture of worship, made possible by God’s mercies. Lent is a season to practice this. Giving up comforts not to earn favor, but to worship the One who gave everything for us.
Nearness makes sacrifice worship rather than loss. We present our bodies, time, energy, and appetites out of gratitude, not guilt or to earn “points” with God.
Application
Choose one small daily “sacrifice” today. Offer it consciously with this prayer: “Lord, I present this to You as worship.” Let this draw you closer to Him.
Longing for Resurrection Life
Key Verse: Romans 6:5
Lent is a journey through death to self, sin, and to lesser loves, but it never ends in death. It ends in resurrection. Paul reminds us that union with Christ in His death means union with Him in His resurrection.
Abiding in the Lord carries u through the wilderness and the cross to the empty tomb. Lent is the road, but the resurrection is the destination.
Application
Spend five minutes today looking toward Easter. Pray: “My Lord, I am united with You in Your resurrection life.” Let this hope carry you through the day and all through Lent.
Conclusion
Today’s passages show that Lent’s not about proving ourselves. It’s about abiding close to Jesus in the wilderness, so we can emerge in His power, walk toward the cross in His love, and run toward Easter in His hope.
The wilderness reveals our dust, and abiding reminds us we’re beloved dust. The cross reveals our sin, while nearness reveals His mercy. Lent isn’t the end—it’s the road to resurrection.
Final Application Challenge
Establish one daily “abiding anchor” (five-ten minutes). During this time, return to Jesus, feed on His Word, refuse lesser offers, trust without testing, rely on the Spirit, and offer your day as worship, and long for the resurrection. At the end of the week, reflect: How has abiding sustained you in Lent’s wilderness? Thank Him, and keep abiding.
God bless,
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