Sunday, February 22, 2026

Lent Day 5, Sunday, February 22, 2026

“Commit When Weak”

We arrive at the first Sunday in Lent. For many Christians, this feels like the true starting point of the season. Others began on Ash Wednesday and already have a few days behind them. Either way, we are stepping into the first full week of Lent together.

Lent is a season of reflection, preparation, and focus as we move toward Easter. It is not meant to push us down. It is meant to lift us up. Unfortunately, some carry a negative view of Lent, shaped by past experiences or misunderstandings. That is understandable.  But today is a new day! 

These daily devotions and challenges are not about setting ourselves up for failure. They are about building small successes. Each challenge lasts only twenty-four hours. If today does not go as planned, tomorrow offers another opportunity to begin again.  For those carrying heavy burdens, that matters. Small steps of hope can make a meaningful difference.

Today’s Lenten Challenge is to commit when you are weak.  That may sound unusual, as most of us prefer to commit when we feel strong, motivated, and confident. When things become difficult, we often retreat. We postpone. We give up.

But consider Jesus in the wilderness. During forty days of temptation, he did not walk away from his calling. He leaned into his relationship with the LORD. He responded with Scripture. He stayed rooted.

We are not being asked to replicate forty days of fasting in the desert, but we are invited to practice perseverance in our own lives.  If you are feeling weak today, commit yourself to the LORD. Pray with honesty. Open Scripture and read. Take one faithful step. If you are feeling strong today, prepare your heart. Strength today does not guarantee your own human strength tomorrow.

Commit, not because you are confident in yourself, but because you trust the One who holds you.  Today, commit when weak. Let your faith be anchored not in your energy, but in God’s faithfulness.

This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”  (Joshua 1:9, NLT)