When You Have Nothing Left To Give

When you have nothing left to give, God provides.  

One morning not long ago I felt compelled to underline the word “again” several times, specifically in the Gospel of Mark. The instances referenced Jesus stopping to minister to people … again and again. 

“Jesus entered a house, and the crowd gathered again so that they were not even able to eat” (Mark 3:20). 

“Again he began to teach by the sea, and a very large crowd gathered around him” (Mark 4:1a). 

“He set out from there and went to the region of Judea and across the Jordan. Then crowds converged on him again, and as was his custom he taught them again” (Mark 10:1).

Whether for physical healing or to teach, Jesus stopped repeatedly to tend to those who sought Him out. No hesitation, no excuses. He simply helped, even when exhausted and hurting.

Nothing Left to Give

As is often the case with God, the morning the word “again” leapt at me from the pages of my Bible, was the morning I most needed to see it. I had just mumbled, “Lord, I don’t want to get my daughter up again. I don’t want to get her ready for the day again. I’m tired; I’m worn out.” I had nothing left to give. 

But the accounts of Jesus teaching and healing caused me pause in my lament. I wondered at Jesus’ ability to serve in such a large capacity. Although fully God, He was also fully human. He had to get tired. He had to run out of energy, physically and emotionally. Didn’t He? 

The answer was yes, of course He tired. But then I saw how He kept ministering at such an intense level. The accounts of the Savior’s earthly ministry mention Him pausing on occasion. Not long, but long enough to seek the Father and be refreshed.

“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he got up, went out, and made his way to a deserted place; and there he was praying” (Mark 1:35).

“During those days he went out to the mountain to pray and spent all night in prayer to God” (Luke 6:12).

“After he said good-bye to them, he went away to the mountain to pray” (Mark 6:46).

“They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Sit here while I pray’” (Mark 14:32).

Fill Up to Pour Out

In His humanness, Jesus was susceptible to fatigue. But He didn’t let Himself get to the point where He had nothing left to give. He spent regular time with His Father filling up, so He could continue to pour out. 

It is the only way a ministry can continue. It’s the only way one can serve repeatedly. To give, one must first receive something to give.

Before Jesus became depleted in His work, He went to the Father to be filled up. We must do the same if we want to continue to be effective in our calling. Don’t wait until you have nothing left to give.

Before Jesus became depleted in His work, He went to the Father to be filled up. We must do the same if we want to continue to be effective in our calling. Don't wait until you have nothing left to give. #pray Click To Tweet

Jesus knew we’d need refilling, so He invites us: 

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

He invites us to come to the wellspring of life. The source of all strength.

Let God Strengthen You to Serve

God calls us to reach outside ourselves and serve. But He doesn’t expect us to do it in our own strength. He provides the means to perform our tasks. Whether your job is mother, caregiver, a staff worker, or an administrator, His grace is sufficient for us to do it well … and do it well for the duration. 

God promises to refill us, to equip us with all we need to continue in our roles. We simply need to go to Him. Sit with Him. Talk to Him. Open His Word. 

Running on fumes? Don't have the energy to face another day?There's hope! God promises to refill us, to equip us with all we need to continue in our roles. We simply need to go to Him. Sit with Him. Talk to Him. Open His Word.… Click To Tweet

That morning when I felt I had nothing left to give to my daughter, I sat with the Lord for a few minutes. I sought His strength. I let Him pour into me. Then I entered my daughter’s bedroom and began our morning routine … again. 

“Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!” (1 Chronicles 16:11, ESV)

Your Turn

What has depleted your energy? Have you sought refreshment from God, the only trustworthy source? If not, simply sit with Him today, pour out your heart to Him, and soak in His grace. 

By His grace ≈

Julie