Lent 2021: A Story to Live BySample

Made new

Reflection:

My dad often talks about what happened when he became a Christian. On the surface actually nothing happened: he still looked the same; his family knew who he was when he walked in the room, and his life continued. But at the same time a remarkable transformation took place: he stopped drinking and swearing and his anger problems disappeared. He was physically recognisable but he was a new man!

This is the transformation that only Jesus Christ can bring, and it is a promise and a hope that we carry with us into every situation.

As you take time this Lent to prepare yourself for the events of Holy Week and Jesus’ death and resurrection, can you reflect on how Jesus has brought newness into your life? Where have you seen transformation? Thank God for those things and ask him to continue that work in you.

Prayer:

Creating, sustaining, redeeming God, I thank you that in you all things are made new. Thank you for where I have seen that in my own life. I ask you to continue that work in me and, in so doing, enable me to bring new life to others. Amen.

Author: Dr Ruth Valerio

Ruth is an author and theologian, and is Tearfund’s Director of Global Advocacy and Influencing.