YOU SHALL NOT GO EMPTY

Title: YOU SHALL NOT GO EMPTY

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Exodus 3:20-22 
Supporting Texts:  Deuteronomy 15:13-14, Joel 2:25-26, Psalm 126:1-3

INTRODUCTION 
The story of Israel’s deliverance from Egypt is not just a historical account but a powerful message of God’s provision, restoration, and abundance. In Exodus 3:20-22, God declared to Moses that the Israelites would not leave Egypt empty-handed but would be given favour in the eyes of the Egyptians. This promise reveals a divine principle: When God delivers His people, He ensures that they leave with more than they had before. This sermon explores the promise of abundance and favour, declaring that you shall not go empty in any area of your life.

1. GOD’S PROMISE OF RESTORATION AND ABUNDANCE 

a) God Restores What Has Been Lost 
For over 400 years, the Israelites had served as slaves in Egypt, suffering and labouring without proper reward. But when God decided to bring them out, He made sure they would not leave empty. He declared that they would receive silver, gold, and clothing from their oppressors. This demonstrates that God not only delivers His people but also restores what they have lost in the process. Joel 2:25-26 assures us that God will restore the years the locust has eaten.

b) Divine Favour Unlocks Abundance
In Exodus 3:21, God said, "I will give this people favour in the sight of the Egyptians." It was God’s favour that caused their enemies to willingly give them treasures. Favour from God opens doors that human effort cannot. It is through divine favour that you will not go empty in your season of breakthrough.

Biblical Example: The Israelites Leaving Egypt (Exodus 12:35-36) 
When the time came for the Israelites to leave, the Egyptians gave them whatever they asked for—silver, gold, and clothing. This was a fulfilment of God’s promise. It is a powerful reminder that when God is involved, even your enemies will contribute to your success and prosperity.

2. YOU SHALL NOT GO EMPTY IN TIMES OF TRANSITION 

a) God Provides in Every Season
In times of transition, whether it’s a new job, a new season in life, or a spiritual shift, the fear of lack often creeps in. But God reassures His people that they will not go empty. Deuteronomy 15:13-14 commands that when a servant is set free, they must not be sent away empty but provided for generously. God ensures that His children are equipped for every new phase of life.

b) Abundance in the Midst of Challenge 
Even in times of hardship, God’s provision is sure. The Israelites were in bondage for many years, but their departure from Egypt marked a season of abundance. Your current challenge is not the end; God has a plan to bless you beyond your expectations. You will not leave this season empty-handed.

Biblical Example:  Ruth and Naomi (Ruth 1:20-22, Ruth 4:13-17) 
Naomi returned to Bethlehem bitter and empty after losing her husband and sons. However, through Ruth’s marriage to Boaz, Naomi’s life was restored. She went from empty to full, as her family line was restored and blessed. In the same way, God will turn your emptiness into fullness.

3. THE POWER OF DIVINE RESTORATION 

a) Fullness After Emptiness
God specializes in bringing fullness where there once was emptiness. Psalm 126:1-3 speaks of the joy of the Israelites when the Lord restored their fortunes. God is not just interested in delivering you from your past but in blessing you abundantly. Whatever you have lost in the process of your trials, God promises to restore in double measure.

b) Your Season of Overflow
You may have experienced seasons of barrenness, but God declares that you shall not remain empty. In fact, He promises an overflow. As seen in Deuteronomy 28:12, "The Lord will open to you His good treasury, the heavens, to give the rain to your land in its season and to bless all the work of your hands." You will not just receive enough; you will experience overflow.

Biblical Example: The Widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17:8-16) 
The widow of Zarephath had very little—just a handful of flour and a little oil. Yet, through her obedience to Elijah’s word, God multiplied what she had, and her jar of flour and jug of oil did not run dry. This is a testimony of how God takes the little we have and brings abundance. Even in what seems like a season of lack, God will ensure that you do not go empty.

4. WHAT TO DO TO NOT GO EMPTY 

a) Seek God in Times of Need
Hezekiah sought God when he faced death (Isaiah 38:1-5), and God extended his life. When you seek God in times of need, He will not only provide but will also bless you abundantly. You must cry out to God and trust Him for His provision in your situation.

b) Exercise Faith and Obedience
It takes faith to believe that God will fill your emptiness. Just as the widow of Zarephath trusted the word of the Lord, you must exercise faith even when circumstances seem bleak. Obedience to God’s instructions is key to unlocking His favour and provision.

Biblical Example: Peter and the Great Catch of Fish (Luke 5:1-7) 
Peter had fished all night and caught nothing, but at Jesus' word, he let down his nets again. The result was an overwhelming catch of fish. Peter's obedience, despite his previous failure, led to a miraculous provision. In the same way, as you obey God’s word, He will fill your life with abundance.

CONCLUSION 
God’s promise to His people is that they shall not go empty. Just as the Israelites left Egypt with silver, gold, and clothing, God will cause you to leave every challenging season of your life with more than you had before. The key is to trust God, seek Him in prayer, and exercise faith in His promises. God is a God of restoration, and He will ensure that you do not go empty.

PRAYER POINTS 
1. Lord, I thank You because I will not leave this season empty-handed. 

2. Father, restore everything that has been lost in my life and give me double. 

3. Lord, grant me divine favour in the sight of men that will bring abundance into my life. 

4. Father, turn every situation of emptiness in my life into fullness. 

5. Lord, fill every area of my life where there has been lack and barrenness. 

6. Father, as I obey Your word, let my life experience supernatural overflow. 

7. Lord, release divine provision and resources into my hands. 

8. Father, take the little I have and multiply it for Your glory. 

9. Lord, let me experience Your favour in every new season of my life. 

10. Father, open the heavens over my life and pour out Your blessings without measure.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS 
1. I declare that you shall not go empty in this season of your life. 

2. Every area of lack and barrenness in your life is turning into an overflow. 

3. Divine favour is resting upon you, and you will receive abundance from unexpected sources. 

4. The Lord will restore everything you have lost and bless you beyond measure. 

5. As you obey God’s word, you will experience a supernatural turnaround. 

6. The heavens are opened over your life, and you will receive more than you can contain. 

7. You will not leave your current season without receiving a divine reward. 

8. God is filling every area of emptiness in your life with His abundance. 

9. Every situation of lack in your life is being reversed, and you will overflow with blessings. 

10. The Lord will cause even your enemies to bless you, and you will go from empty to full in Jesus’ name.