‘Lent is a season of courage, trust, and authentic leadership,’ says Bethany Hobbs
Lent isn’t just a time on the calendar - it’s an opportunity to press pause, evaluate our lives, and intentionally step into the fullness of God’s purpose. This season is about embracing the challenge to be bold, to trust in God’s guidance, and to speak honestly from the heart. Lent is a season where we have the opportunity to shed old habits and welcome fresh, transformative change.
One of the central themes of Lent is surrender. But, I totally get it - the juggle is real!
One of the central themes of Lent is surrender. But, I totally get it - the juggle is real! We juggle multiple roles at once and the thought of “surrender” just doesn’t seem like a possibility for you - it could be that you are balancing church responsibilities, being a mum, a career, handling daily demands, trying to be where we need to be and who everyone needs us to be - it can leave us feeling breathless.
Whatever you are juggling in your life, I encourage us all to recall the words of Joel 2:12: “Return to me with all your heart.” That verse isn’t about losing control in the surrender, it’s an invitation to intentionally release our need to micromanage every detail of life so that we can make room for God’s transformative power. Surrender is a courageous act of faith, to trust that God’s plan is always greater than our own.
READ MORE: Journeying through Lent in the light of Valentine’s Day
Lent teaches us the value of vulnerability and the power of using our authentic voice. One of my biggest joys in life is leading a women’s ministry movement. At first I shied away from preaching and speaking but as time went on I knew God was calling me out of my insecurity to preach. I began preaching with authenticity, sharing real struggles and real lessons I’ve learnt - and when I opened up authentically, I discovered that my honesty encouraged others to share their own stories too. There’s incredible power in speaking the truth in all circumstances, and it reminds us that none of us are alone on this journey.
READ MORE: Six things you can take up for Lent to connect more deeply with God
Stepping out in faith is another cornerstone of this Lent season. Several years ago I was invited to speak at a women’s conference. Yes, I had my nerves, but I also had a deep conviction inspired by the promise of Joshua 1:9, “Be strong and courageous… for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” That experience wasn’t about delivering a flawless message - it was about trusting God even when I felt unsure. That call to courage propelled me forward - not because I was fearless, but because I trusted in God’s unwavering presence.
READ MORE: Bible Study on Lent: Jesus’ example in the wilderness
Finally, Lent has taught me that transformation often comes through our challenges. I used to view setbacks as failures, but now I see them as opportunities for growth - moments where God is turning our “ashes” into beauty. Each challenge becomes a stepping stone that reaffirms our future is not dictated by our past, but enriched by it.
This Lent, I invite you to join me in embracing these themes: surrender, using your voice, stepping out in faith, and transforming challenges into opportunities. Let’s be bold enough to let go of the need for control, brave enough to share our authentic stories, and courageous enough to trust in God’s presence every step of the way.
I invite you to join in with the new Lent series in collaboration with Woman Alive, kicking off on Ash Wednesday on Instagram and Facebook. Each week we explore Lent themes together - from surrender to resurrection. Join us on this transformative journey and discover how every honest, courageous step can lead you closer to the abundant life God has in store.
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