Running on Empty: Finding Hope in Desperation

Devotional

Day 1: Jesus Can Do a Lot Even With a Little

When we feel like we are running on empty—whether as individuals, families, or even as a nation—God is able to take what little we have and multiply it for His purposes. The story of Jesus feeding the five thousand reminds us that our limitations are not a barrier to God’s provision. The disciples saw only five loaves and two fish, but Jesus saw an opportunity for a miracle. When we surrender what we have, no matter how small, into His hands, He can use it to bless many and satisfy needs beyond our imagination. Trust that God can do much with the little you offer Him today. [54:14]

Mark 6:30-44 (ESV)
The apostles returned to Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves. Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they ran there on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things. And when it grew late, his disciples came to him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the hour is now late. Send them away to go into the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” But he answered them, “You give them something to eat.” And they said to him, “Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give it to them to eat?” And he said to them, “How many loaves do you have? Go and see.” And when they had found out, they said, “Five, and two fish.” Then he commanded them all to sit down in groups on the green grass. So they sat down in groups, by hundreds and by fifties. And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing and broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the people. And he divided the two fish among them all. And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and of the fish. And those who ate the loaves were five thousand men.

Reflection: What is one “small” thing—time, resource, or talent—you can offer to God today, trusting Him to multiply it for His glory?

Day 2: Trusting God in the Middle of the Test

Tests and trials are a part of life, and sometimes our faith is put to the test in ways that are uncomfortable or even painful. The book of James reminds us that these tests are opportunities to grow in trust and perseverance. Rather than focusing on having all the right answers or perfect responses, God desires that we trust Him in the midst of our trials. Even when the outcome is uncertain, choosing to trust God brings joy and maturity to our faith, knowing that He is working for our good. [41:58]

James 1:2-4 (ESV)
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Reflection: Think of a current challenge or test you are facing—how can you intentionally choose to trust God in the midst of it, rather than relying on your own strength or understanding?

Day 3: Painful Progress and the Presence of Christ

Following Jesus does not mean a life free from pain or struggle; sometimes, progress in our walk with Him is slow and difficult. The disciples experienced this as they rowed against the wind, making “painful progress” across the sea. Yet, even when Jesus seemed absent or late, He saw their struggle and came to them at just the right time. In our own seasons of painful progress, we can be assured that Christ is aware of our situation and will meet us in our need, bringing peace and encouragement when we call out to Him. [02:34]

Mark 6:45-51 (ESV)
Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. And after he had taken leave of them, he went up on the mountain to pray. And when evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land. And he saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them. And about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them, but when they saw him walking on the sea they thought it was a ghost, and cried out, for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded.

Reflection: Where in your life are you experiencing “painful progress”? How can you invite Jesus into that struggle and trust His timing and presence?

Day 4: Remembering God’s Past Faithfulness Brings Hope for Healing

When the people of Genesaret recognized Jesus, they remembered what He had done before and brought their sick to Him, believing He could heal again. Our own memories of God’s faithfulness—whether in our lives, our families, or our nation—can inspire us to seek Him for healing and revival today. The testimonies of past revivals and answered prayers are not just stories; they are reminders that God is able and willing to move again if we turn to Him with expectant hearts. [01:14:53]

Mark 6:53-56 (ESV)
When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret and moored to the shore. And when they got out of the boat, the people immediately recognized him and ran about the whole region and began to bring the sick people on their beds to wherever they heard he was. And wherever he came, in villages, cities, or countryside, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and implored him that they might touch even the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well.

Reflection: Recall a time when God answered a prayer or brought healing in your life or community—how can remembering this encourage you to pray boldly for healing and revival now?

Day 5: Revival Begins With a Willing Heart

Revival is not just a distant hope or a relic of the past; it is a present necessity that begins with each of us. When we desire revival as much as we need it, and are willing to surrender ourselves fully to God, He can use even our tattered past to bring healing and renewal. The call is not just to long for change, but to be willing to be part of what God is doing—offering ourselves, even if we feel empty, for His purposes. Revival starts with a heart that is open and surrendered to God’s work today. [01:16:37]

Psalm 85:6 (ESV)
Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?

Reflection: What is one step you can take today to open your heart to God’s revival—whether through prayer, repentance, or reaching out to someone in need?

Sermon Summary

In a time when the world feels heavy and uncertain, it’s easy to feel like we’re running on empty—spiritually, emotionally, and even as a nation. The events of the past week have reminded us of the deep need for prayer, for God’s intervention, and for a return to Him. We began today by lifting up our community and our country in prayer, recognizing that only God can bring true healing and restoration, both to individuals and to the land.

Drawing from Mark 6, we see that Jesus meets people in their emptiness and need. The disciples, exhausted and overwhelmed, are confronted with a crowd of thousands and only a handful of loaves and fish. Yet, Jesus instructs them to rest, to take inventory of what they have, and then to act in faith. He shows that He can do much with little, and that our limitations are often the very place where His power is most clearly displayed. The miracle of the loaves and fish is not just about physical provision, but about learning to trust God with what little we have, rather than making excuses or turning people away.

After the miracle, the disciples find themselves in a storm, making “painful progress” against the wind. Jesus is not immediately with them, and it feels as though He is late. Yet, in the darkest hour, He comes to them, walking on the water, reminding them—and us—that He is never far away, even when it feels like we are alone. The pain and struggle are not wasted; God uses them to prompt deeper faith and dependence on Him.

When Jesus and the disciples reach the other side, people recognize Him and bring their sick for healing. The memory of what Jesus has done in the past stirs hope for what He can do now. In the same way, we are called to remember the ways God has worked before—in our lives, in our church, and in our nation—and to pray for revival and healing once again. True revival begins when we want it as much as we need it, and it starts with each of us offering what little we have to God, trusting Him to do what only He can do.

Key Takeaways

1. Prayer is the Foundation for Miracles: Before Jesus multiplied the loaves and fish, He prayed. Prayer is not just a ritual but the means by which we invite God’s power into our emptiness. When we feel depleted, prayer is the first and most essential step toward seeing God move in our lives and circumstances. [54:14]
2. God Can Do Much with Little: The disciples focused on their lack—too little food, too little money, too little strength. But Jesus asks us to bring what we have, however small, and trust Him with it. Often, it is in our insufficiency that God’s sufficiency is most clearly revealed, and our excuses can become the very place where God’s glory is displayed. [57:26]
3. Painful Progress is Still Progress: The disciples struggled against the wind, making little headway and feeling alone. Yet, Jesus saw them and came to them in their struggle. Our seasons of “painful progress” are not wasted; God uses them to deepen our faith, teach us perseverance, and remind us that He is present even when we cannot see Him. [64:18]
4. God’s Timing is Perfect, Even When It Feels Late: Jesus came to the disciples in the fourth watch of the night—long after they might have expected Him. God’s timing often stretches our patience and trust, but He is never truly late. He arrives at the moment when our hearts are most ready to recognize our need for Him and to receive His help. [66:24]
5. Revival Begins with Remembering and Responding: The people recognized Jesus and brought their sick to Him because they remembered what He had done before. In our own lives and as a church, revival starts when we recall God’s past faithfulness and respond by seeking Him afresh. When we desire revival as much as we need it, and offer ourselves fully to God, He is able to bring healing and renewal. [01:16:26]
** [76:26]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[24:57] - Announcements and Upcoming Events
[26:34] - Prayer Requests and National Concerns
[28:08] - Special Time of Prayer for the Nation
[37:24] - Offering and Doxology
[38:33] - Children’s Message: Faith and Testing
[47:15] - Introduction to Mark 6: Running on Empty
[49:44] - The Reality of Emptiness in Life and Nation
[52:17] - Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand: God’s Provision
[54:14] - The Power of Prayer in the Miracle
[56:22] - From Rest to Action: Overcoming Excuses
[57:26] - Inventory of Faith: What Are We Holding On To?
[61:25] - Jesus Uses Pain: The Storm and Painful Progress
[66:24] - God’s Timing and the Lateness of the Savior
[69:06] - The Love of the Savior: Jesus Draws Near
[72:11] - Healing from the Past: Revival and Hope
[76:26] - The Call for Revival: Wanting What We Need
[77:53] - Invitation and Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Mark 6:30–44 (ESV) – Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand —
> 30 The apostles returned to Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. 31 And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. 32 And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves. 33 Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they ran there on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. 34 When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things. 35 And when it grew late, his disciples came to him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the hour is now late. 36 Send them away to go into the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” 37 But he answered them, “You give them something to eat.” And they said to him, “Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give it to them to eat?” 38 And he said to them, “How many loaves do you have? Go and see.” And when they had found out, they said, “Five, and two fish.” 39 Then he commanded them all to sit down in groups on the green grass. 40 So they sat down in groups, by hundreds and by fifties. 41 And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing and broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the people. And he divided the two fish among them all. 42 And they all ate and were satisfied. 43 And they took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and of the fish. 44 And those who ate the loaves were five thousand men.

Mark 6:45–52 (ESV) – Jesus Walks on the Water —
> 45 Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. 46 And after he had taken leave of them, he went up on the mountain to pray. 47 And when evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land. 48 And he saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them. And about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them, 49 but when they saw him walking on the sea they thought it was a ghost, and cried out, 50 for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” 51 And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, 52 for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.

Observation Questions

What instructions did Jesus give his disciples before the miracle of feeding the five thousand, and how did the disciples respond? ([53:33])
According to the passage, what did Jesus do with the five loaves and two fish before distributing them to the crowd? ([54:14])
When the disciples were struggling in the boat during the storm, what was Jesus doing, and how did he eventually come to them? ([01:01:50])
After Jesus and the disciples landed at Gennesaret, how did the people respond to Jesus’ arrival? ([01:12:11])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus told the disciples to rest before the miracle, and what does this suggest about the balance between rest and action in following Jesus? ([54:50])
The disciples focused on what they lacked (food, money, strength). What does their reaction reveal about human nature when faced with overwhelming needs? ([56:41])
The sermon described the disciples’ journey across the lake as “painful progress.” What might God be teaching us during times when progress feels slow or difficult? ([01:04:18])
The people at Gennesaret recognized Jesus and brought their sick to him because of what they remembered about him. How does remembering God’s past faithfulness shape our response to current challenges? ([01:12:11])

Application Questions

The sermon emphasized that prayer is the foundation for miracles. When you feel spiritually or emotionally empty, what is your first response? How can you make prayer your starting point instead of your last resort? ([54:14])
Jesus asked the disciples to bring what little they had, and he multiplied it. Is there an area in your life where you feel you don’t have “enough” (time, resources, energy, faith)? What would it look like to offer that “little” to God this week? ([57:26])
The disciples made “painful progress” against the wind, but Jesus saw them and came to them. Can you think of a time when you felt like you were making little headway in life or faith? How did God meet you in that season, or how do you wish he would? ([01:04:18])
The sermon said, “God’s timing is perfect, even when it feels late.” Is there a situation in your life right now where you’re waiting on God and it feels like he’s late? How can you trust his timing and keep moving forward? ([01:06:24])
Revival begins when we want it as much as we need it. What would it look like for you personally to desire spiritual renewal—not just for yourself, but for your family, church, or nation? ([01:16:26])
The people brought their sick to Jesus because they remembered what he had done before. What is one way you can remind yourself (or others) of God’s past faithfulness this week? ([01:12:11])
The sermon challenged us not to make excuses or turn people away when we feel empty. Is there someone in your life who needs your help or encouragement, even though you feel like you have little to give? How can you step out in faith to serve them? ([56:06])

Sermon Clips

When Jesus tells us to act. When God tells us to do something. We start making excuses. We tell him, wait a minute, Lord. Wait a minute. Don't you know I don't have that kind of money? I don't have that kind of skill. I don't have that kind of credibility or that connection. That would be required to do what you're asking me to do, Lord. If only we had enough. If only we had a little bit more. Then we could do something. I tell you this morning. If only we had a little less. Then maybe God could do something. Wouldn't that be good? Wouldn't that be wonderful? Jesus can do a lot. Even with a little. [00:56:52] (44 seconds) #MissTheBreadOfLife

How like us. Is it not that we hold on to those little pennies in life. And we miss the far greater thing that God is asking us to do. You see you and I have something so simple. Yet so wonderful that so many miss it. If you are a Christian in this place this morning. If you have believed in Jesus. If you've repented of your sin. And you believe that he is God's son. And that God raised him from the dead. Then you have something so wonderful. That you can hold on to. And that you have there with you. But sometimes. You and I miss that. We've held on to those little pennies. And we've missed the far greater thing that God is calling us to do. [01:00:11] (48 seconds) #PowerOfPrayerMiracles

And sometimes. All it takes to get back to that. Is a simple prayer. A simple reminder of what God can do. And that's what happened here. Jesus took the bread and the fish. And he prayed a blessing over it. And God provided that great miracle. Prayer, even as we prayed this morning. Prayer can provide that great miracle. Jesus uses prayer. [01:00:59] (29 seconds) #PainfulProgressFaith

Never underestimate the power. Of personal prayer. But notice the difficulty. That then arises for the disciples. As they are following after Jesus. That Jesus had left them. At least for the time being. And again they find themselves. In a storm. Out on the sea of Galilee. But this time. Jesus is not there with them. This time he is nowhere to be found. And it says. That they were making headway in life. But they were doing so painfully. Because the wind was against them. Have you ever felt that way in life? That maybe you are going somewhere. You are doing something. But there is opposition to it. Something is against you. In life. And you find yourself. Asking that question. You say. Is it worth it? Is it worth it? To keep going. To keep trying. What God has asked me to do. I call it painful progress. Painful progress. [01:03:07] (69 seconds) #PrepareToMeetGod

But I believe that Jesus is coming back. And I believe that he will. Save us according to the scriptures. And so I say to those who have an anxious heart. Be strong fear not. Behold your God will come with vengeance. With the recompense of God. He will come and save you. The scripture says in Isaiah. All those great saints. All those martyrs. Who have died for the faith. All your loved ones. That have died in Christ. All those people that we miss. And that we long for. We'll see again on that day. I'm convinced of that. Now I don't know the day. I don't know the hour. That that's going to take place. But I do know he's coming. And he's coming soon. [01:07:28] (49 seconds) #HealingFromThePast

So the only question I think that remains for you. And for me today. The bible says. To prepare to meet thy God. Jesus says you must also be ready. For the son of man is coming in an hour. That you do not expect. Are you ready? Are you ready to meet Christ? Are you ready to hear those words? From him. Well done good and faithful servant. [01:08:30] (28 seconds) #RevivalIsNecessary

I think that pictures. A bit. Of what happens here. That when the boy in that story. Called out to his dad. His father's heart broke for him. And it says here in the passage. That immediately. When the disciples called out. Immediately then. Jesus answered them. And he spoke to the disciples. He told them. To take heart. That the very thing. That they thought. That Jesus was a ghost. Down in the water. The very thing. That they thought. Was going to be the end of them. Was in fact their savior. My friend. I tell you this morning. Jesus is always only a prayer way. And all you have to do. Is cry out to him. All you have to do. Is call out. I don't know the painful progress. That you've had to walk through. That you've been working through in life. But I do know. That he can use it. To prompt faith. For you. To trust him. To trust his love for you. [01:10:35] (77 seconds) #JesusUsesTheTatteredPast

What we need. This morning. I think. Is we need revival. In the church. There's no two ways about it. In church revival. Is no longer an option. It's an absolute necessity. That must take place. You know. In the history of this great nation. We have seen wars. And civil unrest. That is prompted. And been a catalyst. For revival. Will it be so today. Will that happen now. Well it starts with you. And it starts with us. And it starts with me. Will we be willing to. Be a part of what God is doing. For when revival. Is wanted. As much as it is needed. Then we'll have it. I'll say that again. When revival. Is wanted. As much as it is needed. Then we'll have it. Holy Spirit willing. [01:15:31] (74 seconds)

May Jesus. Use even. The tattered past. Of this nation. To bring to its people. Once again. His healing. Oh how we need it. Jesus. Can do a lot. With a little. This world. Is running on empty. There's not much left. In the tank. Maybe the same can be. Said of you. This morning. Today I am reminded. And I am grateful. That Jesus. Doesn't need much. And so you give him all you've got today. Even if you're. Near empty. To everything. He's worthy of it. [01:16:59] (56 seconds)

``My friend if you. Try to keep going on your own strength. You will fail. But if you cry out to Jesus. If you call out to him. He will give you strength. Because with Jesus. He can do. A lot. Even with a little. God give us strength today. We pray. That you would do a miracle. In Jesus name. [01:19:23] (30 seconds)

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