Trusting God in Our Emptiness and Struggles

 

Summary

Today, we gathered in gratitude for the gift of life, the blessing of community, and especially the gift of mothers and mother figures among us. We celebrated the unique and irreplaceable role that mothers play, not only in our families but in the fabric of our spiritual lives. Yet, we also acknowledged that for many, Mother’s Day is a day of mixed emotions—grief, loss, strained relationships, or the ache of absence. We lifted up those who are hurting, reminding one another that God is indeed a mother to the motherless and that, in God’s providence, nurturing figures are often placed in our lives to fill the gaps left by loss or distance.

Turning to the story of the widow at Zarephath in 1 Kings 17, we reflected on what it means to run on empty. The widow, facing the end of her resources and hope, was asked by God—through the prophet Elijah—to give out of her lack. Her obedience, even in exhaustion and despair, became the channel for God’s miraculous provision. This story is not just for mothers, but for all who find themselves depleted, stretched thin by the demands of life, and unsure how to keep going.

We named the real struggles mothers face today: economic stress, loss of identity, lack of support, guilt, and emotional burnout. These are not just statistics—they are lived realities. Yet, the invitation is to trust God with our emptiness, to believe that God can stretch what little we have and turn it into more than enough. When we stretch ourselves in faith, God’s grace meets us in unexpected places, providing not just for us but for those connected to us. Our obedience and trust can unlock provision and blessing for entire households and communities.

We were reminded that God’s provision is often daily, not always abundant in the way we imagine, but always sufficient. The miracle is not always in overflowing abundance, but in the jar and jug never being finished off. Each day, as we depend on God, we find enough for that day. The call is to keep putting God first, even when it stretches us, and to trust that God will sustain us, replenish us, and give us strength to keep going.

Key Takeaways

- God’s Grace Finds Us in Our Emptiness
When we are at our lowest, feeling unqualified or out of position, God’s grace is not hindered by our background or brokenness. The widow of Zarephath was outside the covenant community, yet God sent provision to her. Trusting God with our nothing opens us to the sufficiency of His grace, which meets us right where we are, regardless of our perceived disqualification. [01:32:43]

- Obedience Unlocks Overflow for Others
Our willingness to trust and obey God, even when we feel depleted, has ripple effects beyond ourselves. The widow’s obedience not only sustained her and her son but her entire household. In the same way, our faithfulness can become the means by which God provides for those connected to us—family, friends, and community—reminding us that our lives are channels of blessing. [01:41:47]

- Provision is Often Daily, Not Instant Abundance
God’s promise is not always that we will live in perpetual abundance, but that we will not be finished off. The jar and jug were never empty, but neither were they always full. This teaches us to live in daily dependence on God, trusting Him for what we need each day, and finding contentment and strength in His ongoing faithfulness. [01:48:43]

- Spiritual Strength Surpasses Physical Exhaustion
While the demands of life—especially motherhood—can be exhausting, the Spirit offers a deeper kind of strength. When our energy and resources run out, the Spirit pours into our emptiness, providing rest, restoration, and power that self-care alone cannot reach. This spiritual edification is what enables us to keep going when we feel we have nothing left. [01:27:58]

- Keep Stretching to Trust God Beyond Your Limits
The choice before us is to keep stretching ourselves until we have nothing left, or to trust God to stretch what we have. When we put God first, even when it costs us, He sustains us and often leaves us with more than we started with. The act of stretching in faith deepens our dependence on God and opens us to His miraculous provision, even in seasons of lack. [01:27:08]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[29:31] - Entering Worship and Thanksgiving
[30:11] - Honoring Mothers and Mother Figures
[34:25] - Prayer for the Hurting
[35:34] - Interceding for Heavy Hearts
[38:10] - Announcements and Church Life
[43:17] - Church Anniversary and Giving
[51:50] - Offering and Worship in Giving
[01:04:46] - “Right Now, Lord” – Song and Prayer
[01:08:15] - Scripture Reading: 1 Kings 17
[01:11:41] - When Mama’s Running on Empty
[01:15:11] - The Real Struggles of Motherhood
[01:19:22] - Living Life on Empty
[01:23:26] - The Widow’s Story: A Divine Ask
[01:27:08] - Trusting God to Stretch What You Have
[01:32:43] - Grace for the Marginalized
[01:41:47] - Obedience and Overflow
[01:48:43] - Daily Dependence on God
[01:52:01] - The Spirit’s Strength for the Weary
[01:53:34] - Invitation to Trust God
[02:00:51] - Welcoming New Members
[02:02:09] - Benediction and Sending Forth

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: When You’re Running on Empty

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### Bible Reading

1 Kings 17:8-16 (NRSV)
Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying, “Go now to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and live there; for I have commanded a widow there to feed you.” So he set out and went to Zarephath. When he came to the gate of the town, a widow was there gathering sticks; he called to her and said, “Bring me a little water in a vessel, so that I may drink.” As she was going to bring it, he called to her and said, “Bring me a morsel of bread in your hand.” But she said, “As the Lord your God lives, I have nothing baked, only a handful of meal in a jar, and a little oil in a jug; I am now gathering a couple of sticks, so that I may go home and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it, and die.” Elijah said to her, “Do not be afraid; go and do as you have said; but first make me a little cake of it and bring it to me, and afterwards make something for yourself and your son. For thus says the Lord the God of Israel: The jar of meal will not be emptied and the jug of oil will not fail until the day that the Lord sends rain on the earth.” She went and did as Elijah said, so that she as well as he and her household ate for many days. The jar of meal was not emptied, neither did the jug of oil fail, according to the word of the Lord that he spoke by Elijah.

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### Observation Questions

1. What was the widow’s situation when Elijah first met her at the gate of Zarephath? What did she have left?
[[01:09:10]]

2. What did Elijah ask the widow to do, and how did she respond to his request?
[[01:10:12]]

3. According to the passage, what was God’s promise to the widow if she obeyed Elijah’s instructions?
[[01:10:12]]

4. After the widow obeyed, who benefited from God’s provision, and how did the text describe the outcome?
[[01:41:47]]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. The widow was not part of Israel’s covenant community and was living in a place known for idol worship. Why do you think God chose her for this miracle? What does this say about God’s grace?
[[01:32:43]]

2. The sermon mentioned that the widow’s obedience unlocked provision not just for herself, but for her whole household. What does this suggest about the impact of our faith and obedience on others around us?
[[01:41:47]]

3. The miracle was not that the jar and jug were always full, but that they were never finished off. What does this teach us about the way God provides for us?
[[01:48:43]]

4. The sermon named real struggles mothers (and others) face: economic stress, loss of identity, lack of support, guilt, and emotional burnout. How does the story of the widow speak to people who feel depleted or “run on empty”?
[[01:15:11]]

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### Application Questions

1. The widow was asked to give out of her lack, not her abundance. Can you think of a time when you felt you had nothing left to give, but God asked you to trust Him anyway? What happened?
[[01:24:54]]

2. The sermon said, “You can either keep stretching yourself until there is nothing left, or you can trust God to stretch what you have.” Which of these two approaches do you tend to take in your own life? What would it look like to let God stretch what you have instead?
[[01:27:08]]

3. God’s provision for the widow was daily, not instant abundance. Are there areas in your life where you wish God would provide more “all at once”? How might God be teaching you to depend on Him day by day instead?
[[01:48:43]]

4. The sermon highlighted that obedience and trust can unlock blessing for others, not just ourselves. Who in your life might be impacted by your faithfulness to God, even if you don’t see it right now?
[[01:41:47]]

5. The Spirit gives strength that self-care alone cannot reach. When you feel exhausted or burned out, what are some practical ways you can invite the Holy Spirit to strengthen and restore you?
[[01:27:58]]

6. For those who find Mother’s Day or family relationships difficult, the sermon reminded us that God is “a mother to the motherless” and places nurturing figures in our lives. Who has God used in your life to fill a gap or provide support when you needed it most? How can you thank or encourage them this week?
[[30:11]]

7. The widow’s story shows that God’s grace is not limited by our background or brokenness. Are there areas in your life where you feel “disqualified” from God’s help? How does this story challenge that belief?
[[01:32:43]]

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for those who feel depleted, for mothers and caregivers, and for the faith to trust God with whatever “little” they have. Ask God to help each person depend on His daily provision and to be a channel of blessing to others.

Devotional

Day 1: Trusting God When You’re Running on Empty
When you feel depleted and at the end of your resources, God invites you to trust Him with your little, promising that His provision will meet you in your emptiness and sustain you beyond what you can imagine. Even when life’s demands leave you feeling exhausted, God’s word assures that if you stretch yourself to obey and trust Him, He will supply what you need, turning your last into a lasting supply. The story of the widow at Zarephath reminds us that God’s provision is not limited by our circumstances; He can fill our emptiness with His abundance when we put Him first, even when it stretches us. [01:27:08]

1 Kings 17:8-16 (NRSV)
Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying, “Go now to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and live there; for I have commanded a widow there to feed you.” So he set out and went to Zarephath. When he came to the gate of the town, a widow was there gathering sticks; he called to her and said, “Bring me a little water in a vessel, so that I may drink.” As she was going to bring it, he called to her and said, “Bring me a morsel of bread in your hand.” But she said, “As the Lord your God lives, I have nothing baked, only a handful of meal in a jar, and a little oil in a jug; I am now gathering a couple of sticks, so that I may go home and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it, and die.” Elijah said to her, “Do not be afraid; go and do as you have said; but first make me a little cake of it and bring it to me, and afterwards make something for yourself and your son. For thus says the Lord the God of Israel: The jar of meal will not be emptied and the jug of oil will not fail until the day that the Lord sends rain on the earth.” She went and did as Elijah said, so that she as well as he and her household ate for many days. The jar of meal was not emptied, neither did the jug of oil fail, according to the word of the Lord that he spoke by Elijah.

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel most depleted or “on empty”? How can you trust God with that area today, even if it stretches you beyond your comfort?


Day 2: God’s Grace Reaches the Margins
God’s grace is not limited by our background, status, or perceived spiritual qualifications; He meets us in our places of brokenness and lack, offering His sustaining presence and provision even when we feel unworthy or out of position. The widow of Zarephath was outside the covenant community, yet God sent His prophet and promise to her, showing that His grace crosses boundaries and meets us right where we are. When you stretch yourself to trust God, even with nothing left, His grace is sufficient and can bring unexpected resources and strength into your life. [01:32:43]

Reflection: In what ways have you felt “out of position” or unqualified to receive God’s grace? How can you open your heart to trust that God’s grace is for you today, right where you are?


Day 3: Your Obedience Unlocks Overflow for Others
When you trust and obey God, even in your emptiness, your faith can unlock God’s provision not just for you, but for those connected to you—your family, friends, and community. The widow’s obedience brought sustenance not only to herself and her son, but to her entire household, showing that God’s blessings often overflow to others through our faithfulness. Your willingness to keep trusting God, even when it’s hard, can be the very thing that brings breakthrough and blessing to people you may not even realize are depending on you. [01:41:47]

Reflection: Who in your life might be impacted by your obedience and trust in God? What is one step of faith you can take today that could bless someone else?


Day 4: Daily Dependence, Not Instant Abundance
God’s provision is often experienced as daily sufficiency rather than instant abundance; He invites us to depend on Him each day, trusting that He will never let us run out, even if we don’t always feel “full.” The miracle for the widow was not that her jar and jug were always overflowing, but that they were never finished off—God gave her just enough for each day, teaching her (and us) to rely on His word and presence moment by moment. When you wake up each day and choose to trust God, He will give you the strength and resources you need to keep going, even through seasons of struggle. [01:48:43]

Reflection: Are you waiting for “fullness” before you trust God, or are you willing to depend on Him daily for what you need? How can you practice daily dependence on God this week?


Day 5: The Spirit Sustains When Strength Fails
When your own strength is not enough, the Holy Spirit is able to pour into your empty places, giving you rest, restoration, and power to keep going. God promises to renew the strength of those who wait on Him, and the Spirit can provide what self-care and sleep cannot reach—deep spiritual edification and resilience. Even when you are tired or troubled, you can keep trusting because the Spirit will sustain you, giving you what you need to live and serve beyond your limits. [01:52:56]

Isaiah 40:28-31 (NRSV)
Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and strengthens the powerless. Even youths will faint and be weary, and the young will fall exhausted; but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.

Reflection: Where do you need the Spirit’s strength today? Take a moment to ask God to fill you afresh and trust that He will sustain you, even when your own strength is gone.

Quotes

God can do miracles in your life every day. And the real miracle is that God will always fill you up if you trust his word. When you're running on empty, when you might be facing death, disappointment, depression, disaster, God's word can provide life. Jesus says, I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me would never be hungry. Whoever believes in me would never be thirsty. [01:50:05] (40 seconds) Edit Clip


Sometimes God will let your hands be empty so that your heart can be opened to trust him in his word more because when you trust him with your nothing he'll show you that his grace is everything I'm gonna say that one more time when you trust God with your nothing he'll show you that my grace is sufficient my strength is made perfect in your weakness. [01:38:47] (37 seconds) Edit Clip


The spirit can restore in you what self -care can't reach the spirit can breathe fresh energy into the worn out places in your life the spirit can feed your soul when nothing else will satisfy you the spirit can give you power when life is giving you every reason to give up and give out somebody ought to thank god that the spirit will sustain you. [01:30:08] (29 seconds) Edit Clip


You can either keep stretching yourself until there is nothing left. Or you can trust God to stretch what you have. And that same God will leave you with some leftovers. You can keep stretching yourself until you have nothing left. Or you can trust God to stretch what you have. And that same God will leave you with some leftovers. [01:27:08] (41 seconds) Edit Clip


When you're running on empty God will give you the supernatural resources you need to keep going. the power and the promise of his word can strengthen you and sustain you and church I suppose that's the ultimate truth of this text. Listen. If you don't get nothing else from this text get this the word still works. the word still works. If God said it and you trust it it will sustain your life. [01:45:40] (57 seconds) Edit Clip


With all of you almost gone, you ain't got nothing else to give. You're at capacity. Your resources are running low. You're pouring out, but nothing is ever being poured back into you. How do you handle life, church? Church, how do you handle life when you're running on empty, but God and other people still have expectations on you? [01:22:00] (34 seconds) Edit Clip


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