March 26, 2026 // Thursday of the Fifth Week of Lent
Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s First Reading: Genesis 17:3-9
Reflect on the Word //
Jesus calls to me most often in the ways I do not want. The complication that sidelines the day, the trustworthy kid suddenly caught in a lie, the humiliation, the broken dishwasher, the argument. It’s particularly in times of want that I realize my desire for control even more. Lent is no different. Ironically, even when I’m categorically “giving up” so much, these are the things I cling to with even more intensity. It’s as if my sacrifices are for me—my boxes to check, my plans to see through.
How is it, then, that even in the middle of a season filled with so much supposed sacrifice, I am so resistant to the ways He is actually calling me? In all the small inconveniences, the changes to my plans, the disappointments, it’s as if our Lord is saying, Just be with Me here, just give this up. I long to soften my heart enough to say yes even then.
In today’s First Reading God makes a covenant with Abraham, promising to bless him and be the God of his descendants. God tells Abraham, “On your part, you and your descendants after you must keep my covenant” (Genesis 17:9). This is exactly the struggle—being faithful to God in return for His faithfulness to us. Even in the middle of so many things we can seemingly do “right”—piety, prayer, a liturgically correct approach to this Lenten season—it’s still possible to do it all wrong.
The proof is in the pudding—when we hear His voice, how do we respond? Can we move? Can we pivot? Can we forgo our ideas and our plans? Can we love Him even in the middle of the mess? In the middle of it all we will surely hear His voice and remember His promise.
Relate to the Lord // Welcome the inconveniences today and look for God in them.
Blythe Fike is the wife of Kirby and mother of eleven smallish kids in small town SoCal. She firmly believes sanctity is found in the everyday and is trying hard to live that truth, despite her countless fumbles. She enjoys sunshine in heavy doses, good music, and babysitters. She is a contributing author to our children’s devotional prayer book, Rise Up. Find out more about her here.
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