Emptying yourself - so that the fullness of the love of Christ can take over your interior - can feel like a Crucifixion. When it does, embrace the Cross. Let Jesus envelop you; experience His wounds; look into His eyes and see what He experienced. Then remember what St. Peter told us:
"Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice in so far as you are sharing Christ’s sufferings, so that you may also be glad and shout for joy when his glory is revealed. If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the spirit of glory, which is the Spirit of God, is resting on you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, a criminal, or even as a mischief-maker. Yet if any of you suffers as a Christian, do not consider it a disgrace, but glorify God because you bear this name. For the time has come for judgement to begin with the household of God; if it begins with us, what will be the end for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And ‘If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinners?’ Therefore, let those suffering in accordance with God’s will entrust themselves to a faithful Creator, while continuing to do good" (1 Peter 4:12-19).
Read that again: "Therefore, let those suffering in accordance with God's will entrust themselves to a faithful Creator, while continuing to do good."
What that means is: discern God's will; follow it authentically and organically and willingly; and NEVER give up.