It can be tempting to believe that much of our faith journey is about what we do for God…or even all the things we don’t do and feel bad about! Of course, a faith that moves us into action is important; in fact, James says that without works, faith is dead. But that doesn’t mean the works define our journey. 

We must remember that Jesus’ primary name isn’t savior, king, or redeemer. Jesus comes to us first and primarily as Emmanuel, God with us. Therefore, the story of God is the story of God with us. The story of God is also the story of us with God. Former Dean of Duke University Chapel, Rev. Dr. Samuel Wells, says, “With is the most important word in all of scripture and all of theology.” With defines who God is in our lives and our world. With is the marker of how we are in relationship WITH God. 

This Lenten season you are invited on a journey to be with God. It is a journey that requires vulnerability, trust, and examination. It is a journey, should you choose to take it, that has the potential to give you a new and deeper understanding of what it means to walk this life with God and to live from that place of relationship and belonging.