I’m so grateful I don’t have the Holy Spirit’s job.

It’s a real struggle to remember that sometimes. There have been many occasions when I’ve tried to give Him a hand and help Him out only to fail miserably in my human attempts.

I can’t change anyone. None of us can.

But that’s not always easy to remember, is it?

As badly as we may want to, change is something that only the Holy Spirit can put His finger on and help any of us embrace.

We all have blind spots. We all have areas in which we need to grow, change, or even repent of, but it’s the work of the Holy Spirit who ultimately illuminates us to see these needs and then softens our hearts to cooperate with God in the process.

It’s heartbreaking, though, to see people we love and care for unable to overcome an addiction or struggle with relationship difficulties. It’s awful to see those we care about collapse under the weight of an unsustainable schedule or teeter on the precipice of divorce.

Our natural inclination is to jump in and offer words of helpful advice. Steps they can take, ways they can fix it, or things we think they should do differently.

Then, when we see our “encouragement” disregarded or blatantly ignored, it can be a temptation to turn up the heat, say it again, or get angry because they just don’t seem to be listening.

But conviction is not something we can orchestrate. No matter how hard we try.

The Holy Spirit is the only One who knows when the timing is the best, the circumstances are perfect, and the individual’s heart is ready.

“…I will send (the Holy Spirit) to you…when He comes, He will convict the world about (the guilt of) sin (and the need for a Savior)…” (John 16:7 & 8 AMP)

This places the burden of responsibility squarely on His shoulders, not ours.

Which frees us up to trust.

Trust that God is able to do all things – even if the temporary looks like it’s going up in flames.

Trust that His timing is perfect – no matter how hard it feels in the moment.

Trust that He is enough – He is more than capable and loves those individuals we care for more deeply than we do.

“Jesus said, ‘You’re not in charge here. The Father who sent me is in charge. He draws people to Me…then I do My work, putting people together, setting them on their feet…’” (John 6:44 MSG)

Until next time, Grace and Glory!