Pouring Out

Training for Today: Run 2 miles

Devotion: Pouring Out

What have you poured out so far today? Have you poured juice or milk for a child today? Have you poured your morning cup of coffee? This may seem like an obvious statement, but, in order for you to have poured that juice, milk, or coffee, the container needed to be full.


As you think about today’s title, perhaps you’re first struck by the idea of all the pouring out you’ve done as part of the grieving process. We pour out tears. We pour out emotions. We pour out frustrations.

While this outpouring can be beneficial and healing for those who grieve, God has more in mind for us than pouring out our perspective. God asks us to pour out in a different way. In 2 Timothy 4, Paul discusses the manner in which he is poured out, but, in his case, he is being called upon to pour out the message of the Gospel. Here’s what Paul says:

“For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day – and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”

It is easy for those who grieve to focus on what they need to pour out for healing. But, in His great wisdom, God uses our times of grief to draw us closer to Him and fill us with the message of Christ. God fills us with a new perspective and then asks us to use it to His glory. So, in addition to the juice, milk, or coffee, pour out your love for Jesus!

Prayer
Lord, forgive me for the times when I am consumed by pouring out my grief. Fill me with your love, your grace, and the ability to pour out the Gospel to the people around me. Amen.