When Becoming Nothing is an Improvement
In the beginning, the earth was formless and void, but that did not deter the Almighty. He looked into the fathomless depth of its darkness and concluded, "All it needs is light!" Likewise, in the beginning of our spiritual lives, we also are "formless and void" and God, just as confidently, is still saying, "All they need is a little light!" Remember: It's the Lord's responsibility 2 create and our responsibility 2 submit 2 His creating.The Lord only needs three things 2 fashion life. First, He needs a "nothing." The Almighty always begins His great, creative works w/a "nothing" (this is very important bcoz this is where we come in!). Then, His Spirit needs 2b hovering over the "nothing." And, finally, He needs His Word, which is the "something" He's going 2 put in the "nothing's" place.
God has no difficulty at all creating something out of nothing. The only obstacle He faces is when the nothing doesn't know it is nothing but instead thinks it's something. At that point God has 2 break it back down 2 nothing b4 it is good 4 anything. (Are u still following me?) Paul said this better than I when he wrote,
"If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself" (Galatians 6:3).
Even as Christians, if we think we are "something" so that we look down on others or we are wise in our own eyes, we deceive ourselves! The only something there truly is, is God.
If we categorically know we are nothing w/o God, and we simultaneously recognize whatever grace He has worked in us is so we can bless others, then there is no limit 2 how much God can use us. Our knowing we are nothing is a great attainment in His eyes. For then our energies are no longer spent exalting or defending ourselves but in clinging 2 Christ and relying upon Him.
You C, God is not offended by chaos. There will be times when, like the pre-creation universe, u discover your life seems "formless and void." Do not be over-concerned. When u discover there is "chaos" in the deepest part of u, do not fret. You are at a new beginning. It has taken the Lord quite a long time 2 help u 2 recognize your "nothingness."
So, let all who know they are nothings rejoice: You are miles ahead of those who think they are something !
The proud, who consider themselves something special, do not deal w/the lightless regions of chaos in their souls; they simply hide them. But if we are transparent w/our need, the Spirit and Word can work in us 2 bring life and order. All we need do is 2 open up and confess our nothingness 2 the Holy Spirit.
For God, who said, "Light shall shine out of darkness," is the One who has shone in our hearts 2 give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6
This is the very way our great Creator creates. He causes light 2 shine out of darkness! The only thing He requires of us is 2b honest about the darkness – 2 confess it instead of hiding it.
Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them...But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, 4 everything that becomes visible is light. Ephesians 5:11, 13
When darkness is exposed 2 the light, it becomes light. In fact, the very reason our darkness becomes visible is bcoz God shines His light upon it. If u persevere – if u continually thrust your darkness into the light of God's grace and power – that light will ultimately shine out from within u. Your darkness will actually become light.
Beloved, if u know u are nothing in yourself, you're a prime candidate 2 become something in God! Consider again Paul's view of himself:
"If anyone else has a mind 2 put confidence in the flesh, I far more: circumcised the 8th day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as 2 the Law, a Pharisee; as 2 zeal, a persecutor of the Church; as 2 the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless. But whatever things were gain 2 me, those things I have counted as loss 4 the sake of Christ" (Philippians 3:4-7).
Paul said whatever things were "gain" 2 him (things that made him a "something" b4 men), he gave up as "loss 4 the sake of Christ." To become nothing in ourselves, 2b excavated of pride and of being consumed by our attainments and pedigree, is part of the path 2 son-ship. Paul actually saw all his human, religious attainments as obstacles. Certainly, in time the Lord used all of the elements of Paul's life, but not b4 Paul gave them up 2 the Lord.
John the Baptist said, "He must increase, but I must decrease" (John 3:30). You C, though self-confidence dies, God-confidence comes 2 life!
So, do not fret. You can admit that u have areas within that are dead and dark. Romans 4:17 says, "God...gives life 2 the dead and calls into being that which does not exist." God gives LIFE 2 the dead. Do u sometimes feel dead? Good. You're qualified 2 get God's life! Look 2 God. Trust Him as your Creator. Do not fear when u discover u are nothing. There is a time when becoming nothing is an improvement.
Francis Frangipane
Ministries of Francis Frangipane
Email: francis1@frangipane.org
