Lenten Devotional: March 25, 2026

by Debbi Brod

Trial, Judgment, and the Courage to Call

Scripture:

“Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.” — Jeremiah 33:3 ESV

Reflection:

I like to think I’m a good person—thoughtful, fair, self-aware enough. Until something small shifts. A tone, a comment, a moment of being overlooked. And suddenly, I’m keeping score. Quietly judging. Holding onto my version of being right.

And if I’m honest, my brokenness often shows up in my need for control—wanting things to resolve on my terms, in my timing. Surrender sounds right, but it rarely feels easy.

I notice how quickly I move into insight instead of surrender—understanding the moment rather than trusting God within it.

And yet, this is the invitation: Call to me. Not when we have clarity, but right here—in the uncertainty, in the tension, in the places we don’t yet understand.

Lent reminds us we are human. Imperfect. Still learning. And still deeply loved. Christ meets us not once we have it all together, but in the middle of our lives as they are.

Maybe faith isn’t about having the answers. Maybe it’s about staying open—trusting that God is present, even here.

And we are not alone. In quiet encouragement and shared honesty, we find steady ground again.

Call to Action:

This week, notice where you feel the urge to control or judge. Pause. Take a breath. Simply call on God in that moment—and remain open to what He may reveal.

Prayer:

God,

You meet me in the middle of my unfinished, imperfect life.

When I grasp for control or retreat into judgment, gently turn me back toward You.

Teach me to call on You in the places where I feel uncertain or guarded.

Help me trust what I cannot yet see, and surrender what I was never meant to carry.

Be my steady ground, my quiet guide, and my constant presence.

And remind me that even in my brokenness, You are near and already at work.

Amen