I sighed heavily as I sank into the pew, burdened by a long list of to-dos and even more consumed by fear and failure. I looked longingly at the tabernacle, a litany of woes tumbling through my mind, when another thought, gentle and smiling, interjected.
You’re relying on yourself again, daughter.
I laughed and shook my head, admittedly caught in the act. You’re right, I conceded. I don’t need to do it on my own so I can revel in my success and I beat myself up in failure. I need Your supernatural strength in my weakness, Lord.
Saints Timothy and Titus, whose feast we celebrate today, faced some pretty intimidating hurdles themselves in the early Church. Saint Paul wrote to encourage Timothy when his confidence was flagging, reminding him to “stir into flame” the gift of God—i.e., the very real help of the Holy Spirit through the Sacrament of Holy Orders (2 Timothy 1:6).
These words weren’t just meant for Saint Timothy in 60 AD. God inspired them specifically for us, too, knowing we’d need them right now—today! The Holy Spirit literally dwells within us through the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation, present in every triumph and trial.
So often, we want God to rescue us from our circumstances to give us a life of comfort and ease. Yet all through Scripture, we see that almighty God rescues by being present to us in our circumstances.
He sends streams into our deserts (Isaiah 35:6).
He lifts us up in the raging storm (Matthew 14:31).
He fortifies our courage in hardship (2 Timothy 1:6).
He offers us the Holy Spirit’s inexhaustible help in every circumstance.
Whatever you’re facing, however limited you feel, His supernatural help is always available! When you can’t fathom any solution to a problem, seek His divine Wisdom. When your own strength isn’t enough, ask for an increase of supernatural Fortitude. When you’re struggling to grasp schoolwork, Scripture, or discern difficult relationships, call on His superior understanding.
Whatever the challenge, He’s waiting—and ready to help you.
He’s waiting—and ready to help you. // @megan_hjelmstadClick to tweet
Today, stir into flame the gift of God, friend, and call on His ever-ready help!
Megan Hjelmstad (“Helm-stead”) is a wife, enthusiastic hockey mom, and Army Veteran living in Denver, CO. After serving fifteen years in the United States Army, Megan now serves the Church as an author, speaker, and women's mentor in her “spare” time. Megan loves to share God’s hope in suffering and is the author of Offer it Up: Discovering the Power and Purpose of Redemptive Suffering. She’s a long-time team member of Blessed is She and a writer and speaker for several other ministries. Megan adores books, sleep, sunshine, and Colorado’s great outdoors almost as much as she adores Jesus in the Eucharist. Learn more at MeganHjelmstad.com.
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