God's Grace During Empty Times and in Void Spaces

Theme: Trusting God’s Sovereignty in Transitions and Trials

Framework: RECHARGE

Written by: Bro. Joey Arles Vergara


R – Reference Verse

"Then they prayed, 'Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.' Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles." — Acts 1:24-26 (NIV)

E – Entry Points

Have you ever felt like there was a "gap" in your life? Perhaps a seat at the table is empty because of a loss, or a dream you had for your family has been shattered by a sudden betrayal or failure.

We often feel this most acutely within the life of our local church. Perhaps our own community is in a season of transition—facing the departure of a beloved leader or the daunting uncertainty of a leadership vacancy. There is a specific kind of anxiety that comes when we don't know who will lead us next or how the "new" will compare to the "old." We look at these empty spaces—the "Judas-sized holes"—and feel a sense of panic. We wonder, "Is the story over?" In Acts 1, the disciples were in that exact position. They were in the "in-between." Jesus had ascended, the Holy Spirit hadn't yet arrived at Pentecost, and they were missing one of their own. They were a broken circle. But as we will see, God is the master of restoration. He doesn't just see a gap; He sees an opportunity for a new grace.

C – Context

The Biblical Moment: The atmosphere in Jerusalem was tense. The Apostles were hiding in an Upper Room. They were technically "leaderless" on earth, waiting for the promised Counselor. The death of Judas was not just a tragedy; it was a scandal that could have disqualified the entire movement. How could a chosen one betray the Lord? They had to decide: do we fall apart, or do we move forward?

The Modern Philippine Context:

In our context here in the Philippines, we understand "gaps." We see gaps in our leadership, gaps in our local economies, and sometimes gaps in our own families due to migration or the trials of life. In a culture that values pakikisama (companionship) and deep loyalty, the betrayal of a "Judas" hits hard. We often face transitions—whether it’s a change in our local church leadership or a shift in our personal lives—where we feel we are "drawing lots" with our future, hoping God will show us the way through the uncertainty of the "New Normal."

H – Honor

Before we go further, I want to honor you. I see your faithfulness. Many of you have stood in the "Upper Rooms" of your own lives—praying when answers were slow, staying loyal to Christ even when others walked away, and keeping the faith despite the "Judas moments" you’ve experienced in your own circles. Your presence here today is a testament that you, like the early church, have chosen to "stay in the city" and wait on the Lord rather than scattering in fear.

A – Admonish

But let us be honest: how often do we try to fill the "gaps" in our lives with our own wisdom before we pray? We are quick to "cast lots"—to make choices, to jump into new relationships, or to fix our problems with our own strength—without the prerequisite of the Upper Room.

The danger for us today is "Productive Prayerlessness." We want the replacement (the Matthias), but we don't want the waiting. We want the vacancy filled, but we aren't willing to search the Scriptures to see what God says about our situation. We must be careful not to let our "doing" for God outpace our "being" with God.

R – Reteach (Key Points)

G – Generalize

This isn't just a story about a 12th Apostle. This is the pattern for the Christian life. Whenever there is a loss, God has a plan for a replacement. Whenever there is a betrayal, God has a plan for a restoration. The "lots" of life may seem random to us—the sudden job loss, the unexpected illness—but in the hands of a Sovereign God, there is no such thing as "luck." There is only Providence and His sufficient grace.

E – Encourage

Brothers and sisters, be encouraged! If you are sitting in a "gap" today, know that Pentecost is coming. The vacancy in your life is not a sign of God’s absence; it is the preparation for a new outpouring of His grace.

Look around this room. You are not just spectators; you are like the 120 disciples in that Upper Room. Remember that while only one name—Matthias—was added to the Twelve, the Holy Spirit fell upon every single one of the 120. God’s mission does not depend on one leader alone; it depends on a people surrendered to His Spirit.

Perhaps you feel like Joseph (Barsabbas) today—you were qualified, you were faithful, but you weren't "chosen" for the title or the role you wanted. Take heart! When the church was later scattered by persecution, it wasn't just the Apostles who carried the Gospel; it was the "regular" disciples, the Josephs and the unnamed ones, who went everywhere preaching the Word (Acts 8:4). Your role in the future is vital. Whether you are "scattered" to a new job, a different city, or a new season of life, you carry the fire of Pentecost within you. God’s "No" to a specific position is not a "No" to His power in your life. Trust the One who knows the heart. The circle will be made whole again by the power of His grace. Amen.