Empty?

My Sunday nights can often be described with one word — EMPTY. I’m drained.  I’ve preached, and taught, and ministered, and listened, and rejoiced, and hurt, and pleaded, and empathized, and moderated, and pushed, and promoted, and negotiated, and fixed, and I’m empty. I’ve heard the complaints, and frustrations, endured the comparisons and experienced the fury of critics, and I’m empty. And empty is not a good place to be - except. It does mean that I had something to empty today, it does mean I was full, it does mean I can be filled again, it does mean I was used, it does mean I gave, it does mean some are now fuller because I shared. So “empty” isn’t that bad of a word after all. I will, with the grace of God, and the plenty of His Word spend this week filling up again so that when next Sunday night comes I can be joyously empty again.  So, if today has been one of those days that leave you feeling empty tonight- may I suggest you are not empty. You’ve just replaced the empty with something that is full.

You’re full. Full of the peace that you did your best representing Him. Full of love from brothers and sisters who respect God’s Messengers. Full of respect from those you have served. Full of appreciation of God’s grace in your own life. Full of Him. 

Praise God for being empty for Him. Because when you feel empty you are full!

“For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10).