How do I Pour Into Others When I Feel so Empty?
It has been over 2 years since we took the leap to work full time on BOLD3 as a team.
The past two years have been amazing and very challenging. There have been weeks of extreme clarity and courage, and weeks of doubt and despair. As time passes, we have learned many things. The most important lessons have nothing to do with coffee, or starting a non profit. They have everything to do with what happens on the inside. What Jesus has done in us.
It’s far more important what is being done on the inside, than what is seen on the outside. What is being completed, checked off, and managed in day-to-day life are important, but meaningless if we don’t grow inside. Meaningless, if we don’t reflect and allow the tough seasons to grow us. Meaningless, if we push God away, let our circumstances define our joy, or get caught in the endless pursuit of ‘getting everything done’.
The past 2 years have challenged me beyond what I could have ever imagined. It’s been a season of planning and sowing seeds. It can be very monotonous and challenging to stick to the path.
But, it starts with a daily choice.
A daily choice to decide to honor God in all things, even the most mundane. To continue sowing seeds of obedience when you feel like giving up. To trust when there is no clear plan ahead. To walk into the great unknown. To give up all control. To let go and let God.
I have been exhausted lately, as I have been bearing far too much weight. Running around checking off to-do lists, attending gatherings, house projects, preparing for a new, exciting season of life in September (baby due!). Running on empty. Asking myself: “How can I possibly pour into others when I feel so empty?”
The demands of life can be heavy, but we are not meant to bear them alone. Jesus is in control. He has the plan. His purpose prevails. We must continue to walk with Him as He leads and carries our burdens. I visualize this and get emotional on how God is always with us.
Jesus Himself Says: “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
He wants us to seek Him. To trust Him with everything. To teach us and give us rest for our souls. He wants to do the heavy lifting. But, how can He do this if we hold the reins so tight our hands ache? If we try to control the outcome? The timing? If our shoulders physically and mentally bear it? If we look everywhere else, but to the one who created us and knows best?
This is why God has called each of us into a deeper level of trust in His timing and plans. To truly let Go of the reins and let Him lead. To let God’s purpose prevail. After all, His purposes are perfect. We may see it, experience it, and read about it in His Word. It’s already been done in heaven. We must live that out. We must let God bring heaven to earth, in His timing.
Together, let’s trust our Maker, Our Lord, Our Redeemer. Let’s fill up with Jesus first, so we can pour into others. Let’s get to know Him, let Him teach us, and give us rest.
5 WAYS TO FILL UP, SO WE CAN POUR INTO OTHERS:
1.) Fuel your Bold Side with Jesus: A daily relationship with Jesus makes us bold. Filling up with Jesus each day gives us the strength and boldness we need to face each day ahead. Commit to spending 10 min. each morning with Him and let Him speak to you and fill you up. Pray and open your heart to Him. Ask God to build your trust and courage. To give you the strength to take that bold next step. Take it one step at a time with Him as your guide.
- “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:13)
2.) Let go of control and bring all your burdens and concerns to God: God doesn’t always change situations, but gives us the strength and joy to stand firm in faith during it. He teaches and gives rest for our souls. (see Matthew 11:28-30)
3.) Gather in Christ-centered community and be vulnerable with others: They will encourage and speak truth to you. Take the bold step as Jesus walks with you.
- “And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:25)
4.) Do good: Volunteer, serve in the church, call a friend or loved one and tell them why you appreciate them. Smile and rejoice in each day the Lord has given you. Be a blessing to others.
- “Don't let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.” (Romans 12:21)
5.) Rejoice in the suffering and trials: Trials force us to trust God, grow, and lean into Him. To depend on Him. Our seasons of suffering are often opportunities to minister to others when they are going through tough waters. We are comforted by God so we can comfort others.
- “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” (Romans 5:3-5)
- “He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” (2 Corinthians 1:4)
The season before we launch has put a lot of weight on our shoulders, but it’s not ours to bear. Your marriage, job, kids, season you are in, responsibilities, relationships, etc, can be a lot to bear.
But, remember: God’s got this. Our job is to seek Him, remain obedient and faithful to what He is calling us to do, trust beyond our feelings, and let love for God and others be our highest goal. To fill up with Him each day before anything else. He is our source. He is the light of the world. He has already won the battle.
I hope this encourages you, my friend. Keep fighting the good fight of faith. You are so loved by God! God is fighting for you, even if it doesn’t feel like it. He’s working, stay faithful, and let Him grow your trust and faith by spending time with Him. Keep shining bright!
“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
In Christ,
Jess
#Fuelyourboldside
Leave a comment
Comments will be approved before showing up.
