I was so tired. I felt so empty.
Ministering had worn me out.
We’re all ministering to someone: toddlers, teens, parents, friends, co-workers, and the list goes on. On this day I was traveling to teach a group of women in another state, wondering if I had anything left to give.
Have you ever felt that way? Like you were scraping the bottom of the emotional bucket, wondering if you could go on, wondering if God was finished with you, wondering if your best days were behind you?
I fumbled my way into the hotel room with taunting whispers in my head. “You don’t have anything left. You’re all used up. Just give up and go home.”
As I went to the sink to splash cold water on my face, I noticed a tattered, used-to-be-white washcloth folded neatly on the counter. “Perfect,” I sighed. “Like me, even the washcloth is worn out.” But then I noticed a note propped beside this threadbare cloth. It was a note from “The Rag”:
I’m nothing but a rag.
I am old, tattered, and torn, but clean.
WAIT!
I can still be put to work.
I can still be used to clean your shoes, remove your makeup, clean your car.
I am worn, but clean; ready to be used in place of a fluffy white towel.
When I’m grimy and beyond your use, throw me on the floor to be cleaned and reused.
Thank you,
THE RAG
Immediately, my mind went to all the men and women in the Bible who felt worn out at one time or another. Elijah, Moses, David, the Samaritan woman at the well. Even Jesus got tired (John 4:1-6).
The prophet Isaiah wrote: He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint. (40:29-31 NIV)
Yes, we will grow tired and weary! We might need to take a break and rest like Elijah did, like David did, like Jesus did. But, even in our weariest and weakest moments, God can give us the strength to keep moving forward. No matter how physically worn, emotionally rung out, or spiritually tattered and torn, God has a purpose and a plan for your life. And He’s not finished yet!
With a smile on my face, I thanked God and The Rag for reminding me that even when I feel worn out and used up, He still has work for me to do. He is right there to lift me up, fill me up, and give me strength. And He’ll do the same for you!
Lord, no matter how tired I become as I minister to the people in my life, help me remember to hope in You, rest in You, find my strength to carry on in You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
Digging Deeper
Do you ever feel stuck in your faith. Maybe weariness has caused your excitement for life to wane. If so, Take Hold of the Faith You Long For: Let God, Move Forward, Live Bold might be just what you need to get going again! I always say, “If you’re not dead, God’s not done!” As long as we walk this earth, God has a purpose and a plan for our lives! Break free from all that holds you back, move forward with all that God promises, and live the adventurous faith of bold believing! God’s not done with you yet!
P.S. This book includes a Bible Study Guide in the back which is perfect for small groups!
Comments 36
Right now right here..4:27AM JULY 22, 2025 …THE HOLY SPIRIT is indeed moving me despite my hardest days, despite my weakest days…i have realized that..that consistent, persevering force moving you, saying “get-up”, “you got to move up”..move forward..step forward, step-up..even one foot forward however how slow…just get moving..is the HOLY SPIRIT helping us. THANK YOU O GOD for not giving-up on me in JESUS’ NAME, AMEN.
Wonderful ! It was such a refreshing read for the morning. Thank you for this article and I will definitely share it.
I love that poem and the reminder for us. Thank you for all you do even on your tried and weiry days.
Just what I needed today, TY for the inspiration to put one foot in front or the other, to discover what the Holy Spirit, has in store for me today.
Many Blessings
Stephanie
💜
Great commentary! Just how I am feeling-worn out!!!
As I read this, the thought occurred to me that the worn-out rag isn’t the one doing the work, it is only being used to do the work. The rag finds its worth and usefulness not in and of itself, but in the hands of the one doing the work, at the will of the one doing the work. And so it is with us, in the hands of the One Who can make all things beautiful, we find our worth and usefulness.
In our weakness, He shows His strength. Thank you for your insights.
Author
Amen.
Absolutely agree with your insight. Even feeling worn out today, and with a whole lot of d. ay still ahead of me, I am now looking forward to being used by God today. Thank you.
Excellent insight and reminder to let God use us for His will.
So true Sara! Very beautifully said! I so often try to do things in my OWN strength, when I truly need to rely on HIM to work through me. Thank you for sharing today!
Amen. Thank you for reinforcing what is behind the rag. Sometimes our focus is ourselves instead of the purpose God has. No matter what it may look like .
Thank you Sharon for this timely devotion today! It definitely hit home with me. I was on my knees yesterday crying to Jesus that I was tired and weary and struggling with all the issues going on in my life right now( my marriage, my adult children and the choices they have made! How sad and discouraged my spirit was. I needed Jesus to hear my prayers and know that He sees and cares about me.
I read 2 devotions yesterday that helped, then I read yours this morning and I knew God was seeing and caring by speaking through others and their words written to encourage. Thank you Jesus!
God Bless you Sharon and your ministry
Author
Isn’t God so good to give us what we need when we need it! Devotions right on time.
Absolutely!!! Praise God!!!
Sharon,
Just pray for me please, please! I am physically, mentally, financially and most of all spiritually worn out. I don’t hear or feel GODS presence anymore. Silence, echoes, I ask why was I even born, why GOD???
Author
Hi Carolyn. We’ve all been there. When I feel that way, I read the Psalms. David felt that way so many times. I’ve noticed that in a lot of his Psalms when he starts out moaning, the psalm takes a turn at the end when he tells himself to remember all that God has done in the past. That helps me. I also got a gratitude journal to force myself to stop and be thankful.
Carolyn, my heart aches as I read your words, and I’m praying for you right now. You are not alone, sister…even in the silence, God is near. Sometimes His greatest work begins in our lowest moments. I know it feels dark, but your life has purpose, even when you can’t see it. God hasn’t left you…He’s holding you, even in this storm.
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” —Isaiah 26:3
Try, even just for a moment, to shift your eyes from the storm to the One who calms it. He sees you. He knows every tear. You were born with intention, not by accident.
Carolyn, I truly believe many are praying for you right now, believing in Him for your breakthrough. You are deeply loved, even when you don’t feel it. God Bless you.
Carolyn, I am praying that the Holy Spirit will overwhelmingly comfort your heart and let you feel the love Our God has for you. I have also been in the place you are in. I’m trying to wait for my hope to be restored. Every day I try to be thankful for one thing. There are days when this is difficult, then the list grows and I am reminded of how God has moved in my life. Even if it’s a very simple praise, thank you for the sunshine or rain can be a start. You are loved and will be in my prayers.
Thank you. The Lord always knows how to speak to me and encourage me. He used your devotion today. ❤️
Author
Awe. Thank you sweet friend!
I woke up this morning telling my husband how the kids have been wearing me out. There has been lots of waking from my teething 17m old this week and sickness that my husband has so I have been picking up extra slack. Thank you for this writing and what PRERFECT timing for a great reminder. Even though our home is messy and dusty and filled with dog hair, God will redeem my strength so I can keep working in Joy. Thanks Sharon your books and blog have been so inspiring. I am a 32 year old mom of 3 boys ages 6.5, 4.5 and 17months.
Author
Oh wow! You are at a busy stage of life! And the best ministry you will ever have!!!!
I had to laugh when I opened your email! The title really got me …made me feel like there were cameras and microphones in my home. That’s where I am. Taking the summer as a sabbatical hoping I gain the strength to co-lead women’s ministry again this coming semester after leading 12 years straight. The Lord has confirmed 4 times in the last week that He’s not done with me and refreshing will come. I can feel it trickling in lately and I’m thankful!
Author
That’s so awesome!!
Love the article ,love the snippets of life in the comments – what a God we serve! Hallelujah! Thanks Sharon
Thank you so much for 5his reminder It came just when I needed it. After many years my husband and I are leaving the south for the north He is fighting leukaemia and we are moving to be near our children and family. I wasn’t sure we could make this move or sell our home but our Lord provides and all is in place to go in August. Thank you this gives us the courage to go Yes, he certainly isn’t done Than you Sharon once again
Just what I needed today!
Like many other Sisters have already commented, this has been a very timely devotional, reminder and encouragement for me this morning. How like God and His perfect timing!
Going through a rough patch in our marriage, dealing with a young adult daughter who has mental health issues, caring for younger children, helping my elderly mother who is very demanding…. It all has been taking a toll me, while I serve in music and ladies ministry and tutor Math when I can – I do not work outside of home and often feel devalued because of that.
Thank for again for serving and sharing so warmly and eloquently what the Lord puts on your heart. You are using your God-given gifts well!
May He bless you abundantly! ❤️
Author
Oh my sister. Don’t you ever feel devalued for not working outside the home!!!! All you are doing makes me dizzy!!! You are valued and dearly loved. God sees all you are doing for others. No better paycheck than that!
Oh, dear Sharon!
Thank you for that reminder!
Amen! There is no better paycheck than that! ❤️
I was just reading the resource “5 truths you need when you’re worn down and worn out” I received through the link provided in this very devotional via Proverbs 31 and the prayer at the end was exactly what I needed – to remember that God loves me for who I am, not what I can accomplish!
Sometimes I’m good at remembering it, and sometimes I really need loud and repetitive reminders!
Thank you for your encouragement and that reminder today! ❤️
On another note, the note from The Rag made me think how our own righteousness is like filthy rags, and our sins like scarlet, but God washes them white as snow!
Blessings ❤️
Such a great reminder from this message today. Thank you once again Sharon for your encouragement through His Word!
God bless you!
The Lord knows just what we need to hear. His timing was perfect. This message is on point – so refreshing to my spirit.
I have been like “the rag”, worn out, weak, and weary. God still has a purpose for me and moves me forward. I’m grateful.
Thank you for helping to minimize the loneliness I am feeling at this overwhelming and challenging season in my life.