Lent – a Time to Believe Despite Darkness
Right around the time Lent commenced, I listened to a podcast in which the life of Lilias Trotter—a woman not familiar to me—was discussed. I was fascinated and recommended the podcast to a friend of mine, a godly woman who is an international speaker. She was well-acquainted with Lilias, and in fact, often uses one of her quotes when she speaks. My friend recommended her biography, A Passion for the Impossible, and a documentary about her life called, Many Beautiful Things. I highly recommend the documentary, and know I’ll be purchasing her biography soon.
One of Lilias Trotter’s paintings, which I located on Pinterest, reminds me of Lent. In many ways, Lent is a season of darkness when we anticipate Jesus’ suffering. 21st Century Christ-followers know that following the horrific events of that awful “Good” Friday comes Resurrection Sunday, which is filled with celebration and joyous light.
Jesus’s disciples—men and women who had left their old lives behind to follow him—didn’t yet know “the rest of the story,” and I imagine Jesus knew he needed to prepare his friends for what would be their huge, dark crisis of faith. Much of his preparation is recorded in the Gospel written by his youngest disciple, John. In fact, half of John’s book is devoted to the final week of Jesus’ earthly ministry.
Included in the book of John are some bold “I AM” statements Jesus made, including,
“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
If for whatever reason, Lent 2023 feels like an especially “dark” season to you, I hope you will be encouraged by these words of Jesus as well as Lilias Trotter’s reminder to:
Believe in the darkness what you have seen in the light.
Blessings on your journey!
