“The measure of filling we receive is in direct proportion to our level of emptiness.”- Kyle Idleman
In Chapter 5 (“Empty to Be Filled”) of The End of Me, Kyle Idleman begins by boldly stating that God loves to fill empty things, whether it’s a widow’s jar (2 Kings 4) or a measure of hope. All jars begin with emptiness, receiving what is poured into them. Pastor Idleman describes what it’s like to come to the place of emptiness:
“. . . I’m sure it wasn’t part of your plan. Life has a way of pouring us out, and it has nothing to do with what we wanted or expected. Life takes away . . . a home. A job. . . . At some point, we’re left holding what feels like a whole lot of nothing, and we hold on to it with clenched fists.”
Our emotions are raw. The worst emotional state of all is emptiness itself. But, Kyle asks, what if that emptiness signifies God has us right where He wants us? Kyle asserts that when life takes away, God gives. We’re in position for the ultimate blessing in life, “a close encounter with a loving heavenly Father who has in-depth, sweeping plans for blessing us in ways we never imagined.”
Yet, as Pastor Idleman will explore next, there is a major difference between a jar that is full and a jar that is filled.
Today’s question: How would you describe your state of emptiness following your vocation loss? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Question: full or filled?”
