Written by Pastor Jack Wellman– Mother Teresa
Empty but not Out
When Mother Teresa said that when you have nothing left but God, you have more than enough to start over again, she attributed the source of her strength to God and not herself. This gives God all the glory because even when we’re completely exhausted emotionally, mentally, and physically, God can strengthen us. Paul knew a lot about being empty but he still wrote “I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Phil 4:12) but he didn’t say “I can do all things by giving it all I’ve got but only “through him who strengthens me” and that would be Jesus Christ of course.
When a little is Enough
The account of Elijah and the Widow’s Oil in 2nd Kings chapter four is a very good example of taking the little that we have and making it supernaturally stretch by the hand of God. This poor widow had only one jar of oil but Elisha was able to make it more than enough to feed her, her child, and Elisha too. God can take what we feel is nothing and bless it to the point that it can be a blessing to others.
Strength in Weakness
The idea of strength out of weakness is ridiculous to the world without God’s Spirit but to Paul, it made all the difference. He prayed three times to have his “thorn in the flesh” (2nd Cor 12:7) removed by God but what was God’s answer? He said “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (2nd Cor 12:9) which is why he prayed for the church that “according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being” (Eph 3:16). We cannot say with precision what Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” but what about you? I have one. What is yours? Use it to show His power in your weakness.
Conclusion
Have you been where Mother Teresa was? At the point where you have nothing else left? When you reach that point then allow your weakness to be God’s strength and because it’s sufficient enough for us, then, like Paul, you can say, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Phil 4:12).
