Shaped and Sharpened
Moana Faana of Lake Mary, FL, USA
And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him. -Mark 1:12-13
Jesus endured forty days in the wilderness with the wild beasts. On top of that, Satan tempted him. According to the scripture, Jesus faced his tempter and stayed true to his calling.
Today, we reflect on Jesus’ experience in the wilderness. In the wilderness, Jesus was tempted to question his faithful and trusting relationship with God. In the wilderness, Jesus not only shaped, but sharpened, his ministry as the anointed one.
The wilderness of life is challenging. Temptations that present themselves often seem innocuous or ambiguous. Through temptation our inner nature is revealed. Temptation challenges us to stand firm on the promises, the initiatives, and the enduring principles of God’s compassion for all. In the wilderness, we are driven to face our own relationship with God and create God’s vision where all are welcomed and invited. No one is banned from God’s vision for all creation.
Lent is not just about resisting the temptations we are facing; it is also about allowing ourselves to be shaped and sharpened to fulfill God’s ultimate vision.
On this first Sunday of Lent may we be driven into the wilderness to sharpen God’s vision for all people. We stand firm because the “angels are waiting on us.” Trust and praise God always.
Prayer Phrase
I surrender into your love.
Spiritual Practice
Centering Prayer
Set a timer for 20 minutes. (If that feels like too much at first, choose a time that will be comfortable for you as a starting place, committing to expand that time in future prayer.) Allow the rhythm of your breath to draw you deeper and deeper into silence. As you breathe, claim one sacred word (Christ, peace, grace, trust, etc.) emerging in you as an anchor to return you to the intention of your prayer when your thoughts begin to wander. Gently release the thoughts and images that come, making space for presence to the One who is with you here and now. Release, return, “be vulnerable to divine grace” (Doctrine and Covenants 163:10b).
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
