Just last night I was on the phone with a friend reminding her of the 40days journey and asking her whether she had gone through her WhatsApp to see the journey’s guide. Her response was negative for she was out of data. She then asked me to give a brief on it so that she can have a head start before she could procure data after work the next day.
On hearing the guide she screamed and retorted whether she would be strong enough to follow them for her mind was just on only fasting. One of her concern was on the “bread and water bowl” and its demands. “Padre”, she said, “can I do it for I easy get worked up and blow out, ‘ewe!!!’ Am in trouble?” Gosh!!! She exclaimed.
She just expressed her weakness which was for her might be an hindrance but do you know that that is exactly what God wants from you, to willingly bring your weaknesses to him so that he can make you strong (cf. 2Cor. 12:9)? So are you as weak as her? Are you weak enough for this journey?
Listen to me friend, this journey is meant for the weak and not the strong; for those who truly, sincerely and willingly have need of God and are willing to depend on him. WILLINGNESS is of vital importance in this journey. It’s an indication of one’s total dependence on God. In his wonderful and soul inspiring prayer: “Stay with me, Lord” St. Pio highlighted all these.
Fr. Tony Ozele once told me that God is not necessarily looking for strong people to do his work but for weak and willing people who are readily available for him. And He transforms them. Look at Isaiah the prophet at his call (6:4-8); King Solomon at the dedication of the temple (1Kn. 3:7), cf Heb. 10:5-9; Ps. 40:7-8.
It is in weakness that the power of God is being made manifest (cf. 1 Cor. 1:18,24; 2 Cor. 12:9; Phil. 2:6-12). Do you want to be strong then, make yourself available for the Lord, be willing to walk this walk with Him this year, taking along your weaknesses (crosses). Remember the Lord Jesus says, “if you want to be my disciple, deny yourself take up your cross and follow me” Mt. 16:24.
Sing this song today: “It’s me, it’s me, it’s me, O Lord, standing in the need of prayer….” Pray with Jeremiah chapter 1, Ps. 16, 121 and the prayer of St. Pio – “Stay with me, Lord.” ( you will find this prayer on the internet just goole it; for those using the daily strength devotional it’s in there.)
SHEPARD ME O LORD BEYOND MY STRENGTH.