30 Jun Ezer in Action

An older widow serves the Lord with her heart, soul and mind

Guydana, a widow who is more than seventy years old, is now living alone after having raised four children who are scattered all over the country.   For all practical purposes, Guydana is in the last season of her life and her sight and hearing are declining.  But while her physical body is failing, she does not let that stop her from doing the kingdom work that God has given her.

Every Tuesday morning, Guydana invites women who need the Lord into her home to learn more about Him.  Her inviting, approachable spirit draws the women in and hopefully to a relationship with Christ.  Her home is like a refuge to these women.  It is a safe place where confidences are kept, hearts are shared, and needs are discussed and prayed over.  The women feel accepted, loved and comforted especially when troubles come. If the group learns of a physical need, the women try to meet the need with their own resources or through others they know. Guydana prays with these women and shows them how they can find rest, hope and life change in Jesus Christ.

Guydana is also a culturally engaged ezer who is partnering with various ministries in the community.  She helps at the Greer soup kitchen in several ways.  She grows vegetables in her garden, preserves them and takes them to the mission to help feed the hungry.  She frequently bakes cakes to share as well.  When she volunteers her time to prepare and serve food, she talks with the attendees to find out their needs.  When they need work, she sometimes offers them odd jobs around her house.

Guydana also serves at Miracle Hill Ministries, helping ladies who are staying at the women’s shelter.  She uses the gifts and talents God gave her to crochet comforters for the participants.  Each woman can take a blanket when she graduates from the program. The blanket is a tangible reminder of what God has done and will continue to do in the woman’s life if she will trust Him.

In each instance of serving, Guydana is intentional in her actions to nurture these people who desperately need help.  She is humbly helping to give them back their lives, while at the same time pointing them towards Christ and not herself.

The Bible speaks about the godly in Psalm 92:14 saying, “even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green.”  Guydana is essential and valuable, even in her later years.  She truly mirrors the Ezer nature of God by inviting, nurturing and partnering!

No matter what season of life we are in, we are called to be ezers to those around us and to use our gifts to reach out to nonbelievers.  Do you know of an “Ezer In Action” story that would be encouraging to other women?  Please use the “contact” tab at the top of the page.

How has God used an older woman as an ezer in your life?  Please comment below.

~Grace Women’s Ministry Team