Q: I’m not a Christian or anything likewise, yet I’m still trying to find my path and believe in God and was wondering how do I put God ahead of me? I’m so strong-willed and rely on my own strength — I don’t know how to put my faith in God ahead of myself and rely on his strength. I feel I have found him, but I don’t know how to put him in first place in my life. Thank you. — Justin

Answered by Fr. Edward McIlmail, LC:

The fact that you sent this e-mail is a sign that the Holy Spirit is working to bring you closer to him.

Letting God take charge of our lives isn’t easy for anyone. We tend to cling to our own way of thinking and doing things.

While handing things over to God seems difficult now, don’t write off the possibility.

You are on a journey. God hopes that you choose him freely — that is why he gives you free will in the first place. He doesn’t force his love on anyone.

My short advice is to dedicate time for prayer each day. Ask God for the grace of conversion.

Try reading a bit of the Gospels every day; get to know the person of Jesus Christ, your savior and redeemer.

And try to do some volunteer work. Help the poor or the marginalized. See if you can help in a soup kitchen or assist shut-ins in your neighborhood with yard work.

The more you see other people’s problems, the more you realize how blessed you are.

That in turn can stoke your sense of gratitude for what God gives you. And that can lead you to open up to his will.

Count on my prayers.