The Emptying of Self...
Nothing to Give???
Light For Life March 2005
When we are feeling low, when we have nothing to give, what we give to others is purely God. We all go through seasons in our lives in which it seems God’s work in us is thorough and systematic, He has a plan and purpose to purify and refine us. This isn’t just an outer work but its an inner one, most of what needs to take place, needs to do so from the inside out. Its in those seasons where we may feel as if there is nothing left of ‘us’; everything has been brought into the light of God and exposed.
The tests in our lives can be constant and seem relentless; when we’ve been broken as we sometimes are, the last thing we feel is that we can help others; we may feel weak, like a failure, empty. Sometimes we may not even be at the point of being able to help ourselves. But at that point, the amazing thing is, we are in fact in a great place with God if we will draw on Him, and a place from which He can use us more effectively.
God works in us, throughout our lives to make us as ‘authentic’ as possible, and at our lowest point we may actually be the most real – there is less pretence, we don't have energy for 'appearances' sake' and stop trying to look good or like we have it all together and know what to do. We recognize our shortcomings and inabilities, why, we sometimes can't even help ourselves; but at that point, with nothing left of ‘us’ (by that I mean – us, our strength, our wisdom, our advice, our ideas etc) what we give to others is what is in our heart – hopefully God, and the Bible says that out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.
It surprises me and makes me smile when I am at this low place, where I am thinking 'Please don't ask me' and then someone else needs support and, out of my mouth tumbles answers, comfort, just the right words that help. Where did that come from because I certainly had nothing to give? We are left dumbfounded as to how – but there's no need to guess, it is God speaking through us – He has none of our usual obstacles in the way because we don’t have the answer for once!!! He is the answer.
When all is rosy we tend to rely more on ourselves, and less on God, we can help others, which is good, but it can come from us and not Him, even though our advice may be good or right. When we have nothing left to give – we give God. Its a by-product of being humbled, stripped down, tried and tested.
When are emptied of self the out flowing working of God through us is the like purest oil, ministering to and bringing ease and comfort and God’s word to our hurting neighbour. Next time you are in this spot don't think 'There is nothing I can do', draw on God and He will show you the way or give you the words. We may be empty but we can also be full both at the same time.
Love
Cam
Word For Life
EMPTY: Containing nothing, not having the contents which are usually there, without sense or purpose, meaningless.
The Word
Isaiah 12:3: "Therefore you will draw water from the wells of salvation".
Matthew 10:19b: .."Do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you".
