By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. John 15:8 ESV
I looked at the reminder glaring back at me. “Oh shoot, I’m supposed to be on the monthly Links staff meeting,” leapt out of my mouth. My coffee rotated in the microwave as I opened my computer. Searching for the zoom link, I clicked on the wrong blue stream of nonsense three times until the correct zoom window appeared. I don’t like to be late or miss a chance for connection and fellowship with our Links staff.
Jeff Cranford was saying, “What do I have to offer?” I missed the lead in but caught that he was referencing a recent experience. I think the rest of us assumed tangible things like time, knowledge, experience, finances, leadership, encouragement.
But Jeff had a different direction in mind. A vibrant conversation ensued around we can’t give out what we do not possess…what do we have to offer from empty and exhausted tanks?
Personally, I struggle including margin in my days, weeks, and months. My calendar is intensely full through October. When I look at it, I feel a wave of fatigue slink through my body. I don’t know how I’m going to make it all work, let alone bear much fruit in the process.
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“Whatever you’re filled with when you’re bumped is what will spill out.”
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Do you ever feel similar? Whether it is a job, volunteering, taking care of a family and home, ministry work, or all the above, we are busy people. God gives us a desire to work and be productive and it is good. But having a full calendar is not the first line of work commissioned by Jesus. A full calendar might feed our ego, but it can leave us exhausted and empty.
Cheryl, our Links office manager, shared, “Whatever you’re filled with when you’re bumped is what will spill out.” This is so true. When I feel empty and exhausted, ugly irritation, anger, criticalness, and dissociation spill out of me. When I take intervals to rest and start my day with God, the fruit of the spirt (the good fruit) flows more freely.
How do we protect ourselves from having nothing to offer (being empty and exhausted)?
- Rest – “Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself.” John 6:15b (Sometimes be okay with doing nothing)
- Believe – “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” John 6:29 (Believing in our own strength is arrogant, demands wasted effort, and bears weak fruit)
- Faith – “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” Romans 10:17 (Feast on the Word in a way that feeds you best)
- Hear – “But those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.” Mark 4:20 (When we follow God’s lead, we bear fruit that overflows)
The canvas is new every morning. Be creative and keep practicing.
Prayer – Lord, help us to hear your voice in the quiet of the morning, to read your word with hears open to hear, and to follow your lead as we bear fruit as your disciples.