RUNNING ON EMPTY

RUNNING ON EMPTY - It’s 3:00 a.m., and I’m staring at the blank screen on my computer with tears running down my face, wondering what’s wrong with me. I keep thinking, “I don’t know what to write this morning. I don’t have anything to offer. I’m running on fumes. I’ve got nothing left. What could I possibly say or do for a hurting world?”

It feels like the devil is using that blank screen to taunt me, shame me, and try to take me out of the game — to push me to the sidelines of ministry with the lie, “Who are you kidding? You’re a nobody with nothing to offer.”

But in that quiet, broken moment, the Holy Spirit whispered to my heart:
“In the Kingdom of God, empty is not the same as useless.” In fact, God often empties us on purpose — not to shame us, but to prepare us.

Sometimes God empties us of:
• pride — so we stop trying to impress Him
• plans — so He can lead instead of follow
• formulas — so we seek Him, not methods
• spiritual performance — so we stop auditioning for love
• the need to feel in control — so He becomes our confidence

…because He longs to fill us with:
• His wisdom — not just our best ideas
• His presence — not just religious activity
• His purpose — not self-selected missions
• His timing — not rushed agendas
• His peace — not anxiety disguised as planning

So while my mind may wrestle to understand it, I’m learning this truth: there is no shame in feeling empty.

Emptiness doesn’t mean failure — it means capacity.
Because God cannot fill what is already full.

The world says, “If you have nothing left, you’re done.”
Heaven says, “If you have nothing left, I can begin.”

So Lord, if emptiness is where You work best — then here I am.

Walk in faith, rest in grace, and trust the One who walks beside you.

In His love and grace,

ray mileur

"Helping believers walk closer to Jesus, one day at a time."
www.raymileurministries.com

P.S. — The devil lost another round this morning.