Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name. –-Philippians 2:5-9
Life is full! My days have a way of filling themselves up, whether I’ve planned it or not. Are your days the same?
I find it a rule that unless I am intentional about making space for the things of God, my days will fill with all sorts of other things. The world is a powerful place, demanding attention from all directions. In contrast, our God, although King and Ruler over all things, often chooses to speak to us in a still, small voice. In order to tune into His sound, I must choose to make myself still and small.
Once I make myself still and small, making space in my schedule to hear from God, there is a good chance He will begin to invite me to make space in more ways than just my morning Bible reading and prayer time.
Just as the Father asked the Son to empty himself of glory in order to make space for the work and mission of God to be accomplished, so God asks you and I to take practical steps to empty our lives to make room for God’s work and mission to be accomplished through us.
We are to be empty vessels ready to let God move through us and into the world with the saving message of Christ! Does your vessel need to be cleaned out? Repent and ask the Spirit to wash you again as He has many times before. Does your vessel need to be enlarged? Ask God to show you what things you can change to allow more of Him to flow through you.
In my life, this has looked extremely physical and practical. Years ago, my husband and I sensed a call to become foster parents, caring for those children in need who are precious to God and bringing the message of His hope to families in darkness. In order to do that, we needed to make room in our family and in our house.
- We intentionally stopped having biological children after a certain number, so that there would still be room in our capacity to care for extra children not in our immediate family.
- We set aside rooms in our house and bought extra beds, preparing a literal space for more children in our house.
Of course, this is just a very personal way that my husband and I are living out the space God has asked us to make for His mission in our lives. He has a particular mission for each Christian, no matter who you are or your level of training. What space is He asking you to make in your life for Him today?
Allie
Consider joining us at Drawing Near to God on Thursdays or start your own Drawing Near group through DNG in a Box. We want to be available to you in your Christian journey as you make space for Him.
