Guest Post by Marti Kastner

My Bible is opened to Numbers chapter 1 this morning- not because I’m actually reading Numbers ;), it just happened to open there.

The heading on chapter 1 reads “Preparing for the Journey.” It got me thinking.

I kind of like getting ready for a trip. Do you? I like looking ahead at the weather forecast, researching highlights, thinking about what needs we might have on the trip, taking only what we really need, and weeding out the extra. I like to pack light and only take the true necessities.

Preparing gives me time to appreciate the destination.

The season of Lent started last week, aka “Ash Wednesday.” And I don’t know about you, but Easter tends to sneak up on me!

On Easter morning I have the distinct feeling that I will wake up feeling like I haven’t prepared for this journey.

I’ve way over-packed my selfishness, and my heart isn’t truly ready to appreciate the ultimate destination of Easter.

Enter- Lent!

A few years ago, my husband and I started watching Lent podcasts with our girls during the 40+ days before Easter. Then last year, our women’s minister, Julie Woodruff, mentioned a devotional she reads during Lent called “Journey to the Cross.” Both the podcasts and the devotional have changed me!

My eyes were opened to the journey toward Easter.

It was a time to focus on the simple truth of God’s unfailing faithfulness, to weed out the non-essentials, and focus on the beautiful destination of the empty tomb!

Ash Wednesday reminds us that we are dust, but also that our awesome, tender God can bring beauty from the ashes!

Lent is a time to give things up- not to leave emptiness in our lives and prove our capabilities, but to fill those vacancies with His presence and experience His awesome provision!

Let’s take time to prepare for the wonderful journey to Easter!

You may already have a favorite devotional, but if you’re looking for a a couple new ones that take you through this season leading up to Easter, these are great!

24-7prayer.com (they have a Lent series from 2015 called “The Art of Examine” and one from 2014 called “The Anagnoisis” series. Both are great!

“Journey to the Cross” can be Googled and downloaded for free on iBooks or your browser.