When Asking for Help Becomes Holy

• By candidasullivan
• November 11, 2025
• No Comments

Do you need help, but struggle to ask for it or accept it?

I’ve been there, sweet friend. When I was unable to work for almost a year, my family and I struggled. I remember one week when we had twenty dollars to feed us. I would put items in my cart and then take them back out, praying the whole time that the Lord would help me in whatever way I needed. And He did.

I’ve received food boxes and money. While my flesh tried to make me feel shame for needing help, my heart overflowed with gratitude for the blessing.

Most of us are just a few paychecks away from a completely different life. Hardships can come upon any of us.

Last year, my husband had an accident and couldn’t work for months. It was scary — and it reminded me again how quickly life can change.

We all struggle with something at some point. But the struggle itself isn’t what defines us — it’s what we do with it that matters.

When I was unable to work, I did everything in my power to heal. I longed for a different outcome, so I kept going. I worked through the pain because, for me, the physical struggle of working was easier to bear than the emotional pain of doing nothing.

I was going to struggle either way, so I chose the struggle that moved me forward.

When we’re in a hard season, one of the most powerful things we can do is sit with the Lord and ask, “What do You want me to learn from this?” Hardships never appear without a purpose.

Romans 5:3–5 (KJV)
3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope;
5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

I used to be ashamed of my struggles. I thought they made me weak. But the truth is, they gave me experience — and that experience allows me to offer hope to others.

Hardships connect us. They draw us closer to others and to God. Each one I’ve faced has given me a level of compassion and understanding that money can’t buy — gifts that only come from walking through the tribulation, not around it.

Every struggle qualifies me to help someone else in a similar situation. And for that, I’m thankful. My hardships have become gifts that deepen my love for others and strengthen my desire to serve.