A Story of Turning and Refreshing (Acts 3:19)

A Message for Lent by Jacky Wilson

How to receive times of refreshing

Lent is a 40-day season in the Christian calendar that prepares us for Easter. It begins on Ash Wednesday and lasts until Holy Week. This period recalls the 40 days Jesus spent fasting and praying in the wilderness. The purpose of Lent is spiritual preparation and renewal.

The Three Pillars of Lent

During Lent, we focus on three main practices:

1. Prayer: This helps us grow closer to God through reflection and repentance.

2. Fasting or Self-Denial: We give something up to practice discipline and dependence on God.

3. Giving: We help others through generosity and service.

   
   

Lent emphasises repentance, acknowledging sin, and turning back toward God. It is not meant to be gloomy but intentional—a time to reset priorities and deepen our faith.

The season culminates in the celebration of Easter, marking Jesus’ resurrection and the hope of new life.

The Message from Acts 3:19

The verse we are looking at today comes from the book of Acts, chapter 3, verse 19. It says: “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”

I want to begin with a short story. There was a small town with a river running through it. For years, the river was the pride of the community. Children played near it, families gathered by it, and it brought life to the town.

Over time, though, people stopped paying attention. Waste slowly made its way into the water. Not all at once, just little by little. Eventually, the river became polluted. People avoided it. What once gave life now brought sickness.

One day, the community faced a choice. They could keep pretending nothing was wrong, or they could acknowledge the problem, stop what was harming the river, and work together to restore it. It took honesty, effort, and a change in direction. But when they did, the river began to clear again. Life returned. What was restored brought refreshing to everyone.

The Need for Change

The story reflects the message found in Acts, chapter 3, verse 19: “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”

It is us perhaps recognising in ourselves the need for change. The verse begins with repentance. In simple terms, repentance means recognising that something is wrong and choosing not to ignore it. Just like the town had to admit the river was polluted, we as individuals and communities have moments when we realise that certain ways of living, treating others, or making decisions are damaging.

So, growth begins with honesty. This is not about blame; it’s about awareness. It is about us turning toward a better direction.

Turning Toward a Better Direction

The next part of the verse talks about turning. Turning means choosing a new direction, not just feeling sorry. For us, turning to God means trusting Him and following His ways. For others, it can begin with choosing what leads to life, justice, compassion, humility, and responsibility.

The town in the story didn’t just feel bad about the river; they changed what they were doing. Real change always involves movement. So we can have if we choose and want to have a clean slate and new beginning.

A Clean Slate and New Beginning

The verse then says sins are “wiped out.” That is powerful language. It suggests restoration, not permanent damage. In communities, people often carry the weight of past mistakes, broken trust, old conflicts, or shared regrets. This verse offers hope that the past does not have to define the future. Healing is possible.

Times of Refreshing

Finally, the promise: “times of refreshing.” When the river was restored, everyone benefited. Children returned. Life returned. The community felt renewed. That is what refreshing looks like—renewed hope, restored relationships, and a sense that things can be better again.

According to Acts 3:19, this kind of renewal begins when people are willing to be honest, turn toward what is good, and let go of what harms life.

In Closing

Acts 3:19 is not a message of judgment. It’s a message of restoration, for individuals and for communities. It reminds us that change is possible, healing is real, and refreshing can come again when we’re willing to turn toward what gives life.

That’s a message worth hearing and worth sharing in any community. Whether you already believe or are still questioning, this verse offers a simple but profound message: change is possible, forgiveness is available, and renewal is real.

And the door is open to anyone willing to turn.

Amen

Personal prayer

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