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"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."  John 3:16  

Married to an accountant, you come to accept that there are four seasons: spring, summer, fall, and tax season! Tax season also has the power to change many of our household routines such as meal times, bed times, and church times. As a result, we tend to switch to attending earlier worship services during tax season so that my husband can still get into the office.  

Last Sunday, as the USA Olympic hockey team was opposing Canada for the gold medal, we were attending the 8:45 a.m. service. After church, there was an offer to go out for breakfast, and being one who never declines that opportunity, I gladly accepted, knowing that I could watch the rerun of the game later in the day. However, when we sat down to eat, it was almost comical how many phones were propped up on tables as families gathered around their little six inch screens. Not being able to resist the temptation, I leaned over to the gentleman next to me to inquire about the score. “One to One and we’re in overtime!” he responded. And just as I was about to cave into temptation and pull it up on my own phone, the restaurant crowd erupted in screams! It was extremely obvious that the USA won and was bringing home the gold.

However, I noticed something extremely different when I watched the rerun at 4:30 p.m. I was not stressed! There was a unique sense of calm because I already knew the outcome. Even when the game became intense, as sticks got high, teeth were knocked out, penalties were issued, and the score was tied, I didn’t panic because I already knew the ending. I knew that we were going to be victorious!

Last Wednesday was the initial start of the church season of Lent. Lent is a season of solemn reflection as we follow Jesus’ journey to the cross. During Lent, we remember and reflect on Christ’s tremendous love for us and the suffering that He was willing to endure for our salvation.

But we also know the outcome! We know that Easter Sunday is coming, and the tomb will be empty! Jesus will have the victory over sin and death, and through our faith in Him, we are on the winning team!

So when Satan tries to attack your sense of peace, challenges start to become overwhelming, demands are mounting, and evil seems to be winning - take heart! Trust and have confidence that through your faith in Jesus, you already know the outcome! Satan will lose, God will win, and you’re a member of the winning team!

This Lenten season, may your personal devotion time be rich, your prayer time be precious, and your worship be meaningful as you focus on how much He loves you!

Mrs. Palka