HOPE40 - Day 30 - The Cross is Close

Week 6: HOPE IN THE JOURNEY

Today's Scripture: John 8:21-30

click above to read in full

“When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will realize that I AM…” ~John 8:28

Only 10 days left in Lent. Can you believe it? You have been walking this journey for 30 days: through prayer, fasting, and acts of hope. And now, the cross is coming into view. So is the promise.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks boldly about what is to come: “When you lift up the Son of Man…” He is pointing you toward the moment of greatest suffering, which is also the moment of greatest revelation. It is in the lifting up of the Cross that you see most clearly who He is. The One who does nothing on His own but only what the Father has taught Him. The One who is I AM. The One who came not to condemn, but to save.

This is the paradox of hope in the journey: the closer you come to the Cross, the more clearly you begin to see Christ. Not in spite of the sacrifice, but because of it.

Maybe this Lent has felt like a long road. Maybe you have grown weary or missed some days. That’s okay. The journey itself has formed you. You’ve shown up, sought the Light, chosen the narrow path again and again. And God sees it all.

You’re not walking alone. You never were. Keep going. The Cross is close. So is the Resurrection.

LET US PRAY

Jesus, I lift my eyes to You today. As I come closer to the mystery of Your Cross, help me to see You more clearly, to know that You are who You say You are. Thank You for walking with me through these 30 days. Strengthen me to finish this journey with hope, perseverance, and love. Let every sacrifice be a step toward deeper union with You. Amen

HOPE For Your Health - Progress over Perfection

If you’ve been striving for the 16:8 fasting window and it hasn’t been perfect, take heart. Fasting isn’t about flawless performance; it’s about steady progress, discipline rooted in love, and learning to lean on grace over willpower.

Some days may go smoothly, others might feel off track. That’s okay. Every day you choose to begin again is a victory. Every hour you stretch yourself, even just a little, helps build consistency and strengthens your “yes” to Christ.

You’re not just building a new habit, you’re learning how to offer your body as a living prayer. So be gentle with yourself, celebrate small wins, and remember: perfection isn’t the goal. Progress is. Faithfulness is.

You’re doing better than you think. Keep going. You’ve got this...and God’s got you.

HOPE For Your Marriage: Joy in the Journey

In marriage, we often long for clarity...for understanding, healing, peace, or progress. And yet, so often, the greatest clarity comes not in the easy moments, but in the sacrificial ones. Jesus reminds us in this passage that it is through the lifting up, through the suffering of the Cross, that we come to see most clearly who He is.

What if the same is true in your marriage? What if it’s in the small sacrifices, the daily lifting up of self for the sake of your spouse, that you begin to see who you are meant to be...together?

The journey of marriage, much like Lent, is marked by both beauty and burden. But when you remain faithful, when you trust that God is working even in the hard days, you begin to see Him more clearly in your relationship. You begin to hope again, not just for what your marriage can become, but for who you are becoming together in Christ.

Challenge for Today:

Choose one act of sacrificial love for your spouse today.

Is there something they normally do that you can quietly take on?

Can you speak a word of encouragement or affirmation they need to hear?

Is it time for an honest, grace-filled conversation you’ve been avoiding?

Lift it up with love. Let it be your prayer. As you do, trust that Christ is revealing Himself, right in the heart of your marriage journey.

SHEET PAN STEAK FAJITAS

I am on a sheet pan kick this week to keep things quick and easy in the kitchen. Since it's a Tuesday, I try to keep the "Taco Tuesday" theme alive, and Fajitas are related to tacos, right?

INGREDIENTS

1 lb sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced (1/4 to 1/2 in thick)
1 large onion, sliced
2 bell peppers, sliced (your choice of color)
3 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
2 Tbsp Southwest Seasoning or taco seasoning
1 lime, cut into wedges
tortillas, salsa, cheese, guacamole, cilantro and any other toppings you like on your fajitas

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
Place the steak in the middle of the pan with the onions on one side and the peppers on the other.
Drizzle the olive oil over everything and season with the southwest seasoning. Use your hands to toss and mix until evenly coated. Place the lime wedges anywhere on the pan.
Cook until the vegetables soften and the steak is browned on the outside, about 10-12 minutes depending on desired doneness.
Squeeze the cooked lime wedges over the steak and veggies. Serve immediately with warmed tortillas, salsa and desired toppings.