"Are You Running On Empty?"
- Rita Larson
- Sep 28, 2023
- 4 min read
Have you ever felt a deep desire to serve God and be a vessel used by Him? The term “be a willing vessel” is often used to describe this feeling. But what does it mean exactly? To be a willing vessel, we must first fill our vessel with God. Otherwise, we have nothing to pour out. It is like drinking water from an empty glass – there is nothing to quench your thirst. John 4:14 tells us, “But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.” This tells us that what God has to offer will quench our thirst and fill us with the living water of the Holy Spirit.
We fill our vessel with God by studying His Word, praying, and communing with Him. By holding our thoughts captive and keeping our minds set on Him, we are able to draw closer to Him and recognize His presence in even the smallest things. When we truly listen to the Holy Spirit, the anointing of God will meet us and give us the words and wisdom to be used by Him.
The more we stay close to God, the more He will work in our lives. We will begin to recognize being used as a vessel and pouring out, overflowing, allowing us to be used by Him! In Romans 12:1-2, it says “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
The Bible teaches us that we are to be filled with the fullness of God, and that we can overflow with the power of the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 3:19 says, “And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.” We must be filled with the fullness of God in order to be a willing vessel used by Him. We can’t be a willing vessel if our vessel is empty.
The Bible also speaks of being filled with the Word of God. Colossians 3:16 says, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” When we fill our vessel with the Word of God, we are able to pour out on those around us, overflowing with His goodness and grace.
The more we fill our vessels with God, the more God can use us for His purpose. As we stay close to Him, we become more and more full of Him, until we can’t help but overflow with His presence. We can’t help but be a willing vessel used by God, and pour out onto those around us.
Heavenly Father, I come before you with a heart full of gratitude and excitement. I desire to be a vessel used by you, overflowing with your love and power. I pray that you fill me with your presence as I study your Word, allowing it to shape and mold me into the person you have called me to be. May your truth penetrate my heart and mind, transforming me from the inside out.
As I spend time in prayer, I surrender my will to yours. I humbly ask that you use me for your purposes, guiding my steps and directing my path. Help me to stay connected to you, Holy Spirit, so that I may continually be filled with your anointing. May your power flow through me, touching the lives of those around me and bringing glory to your name.
Lord, I long to be a vessel overflowing with your love and compassion. Show me how to love others as you love them, with a selfless and sacrificial heart. Open my eyes to the needs of those around me and give me the courage to step out in faith and make a difference in their lives.
I recognize that being a vessel used by you requires a surrendering of my own desires and plans. Help me to let go of any selfish ambitions and align my will with yours. As I yield myself to you, I trust that you will equip me with the words and wisdom needed to speak into the lives of others. Use me, Lord, to bring hope, healing, and restoration to those who are hurting.
Thank you, Lord, for the privilege of being a vessel used by you. May my life be a reflection of your love and grace. Fill me to overflowing with your Holy Spirit so that I may be a source of blessing wherever I go. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen. ©Rita Larson 9/28/2023
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