It is up to “us” to make the best use of the 40 days of Lent. 

We can celebrate Easter in many ways: by bringing home an Easter lily, decorating and hiding eggs (even at historic high prices), putting on an Easter bonnet (out of style) or another new outfit, gathering the family around the table laden with baked ham and other succulent dishes, giving up something until Easter, or attending special musical and worship events.

Stories of “40” are found throughout the Bible: forty years of wandering in the desert seeking a new home. Forty days of temptation preparing Jesus for his ministry. Forty days between Jesus’ resurrection and His ascension.

For us, “forty” might signify a time of intense struggle and testing while enduring overwhelming challenges: a new school year, a new job, the loss or long illness of a loved one, unexpected family trials, a move to a new home, retirement —the list keeps unfolding.

An athlete would never enter a grueling event without careful preparation, and wise parents-to-be take time to prepare themselves for the coming changes.

The “forty-focus” of this issue of Crossroads Chronicles carries stories of our fellow Christ-followers who have faced and overcome the challenges life has thrust upon them. Their stories inspire others to do the same.

It’s up to us: forty days can change a life.