14 Jul Ezer in Action
A woman traveling in a foreign country partners with the Holy Spirit and invites someone to learn about Jesus.
In her current season of life, Susan planned a trip to visit her college age daughter who was studying abroad for a semester. For weeks, what had been on her mind most were the many details and preparations that had to be handled before leaving the country. God wasn’t at the top of her list at the time. It wasn’t that she was not rooted confidently in God’s goodness or did not have a correct view of God in her life. The issue was her focus, her priorities and her busyness. She knew that the busyness of life and the details of preparing for her trip had pushed her time with God to the back burner.
After a long day of travel, Susan arrived at her destination completely and totally exhausted. In the airport, she met a beautiful young lady named Indy who worked for the travel agency she was using. As she followed Indy through the airport, they struck up a conversation. Susan learned that Indy practiced an eastern religion with very different beliefs than her own. She had never met anyone practicing this religion, but Indy was warm and friendly and she seemed to have a teachable heart. She was searching but Susan was more than depleted after her travels. Thankfully, in His sovereignty, God came alongside her and gave Susan the words and the courage to share her faith with Indy. Using what she had learned in the Ezer study, she explained the difference between a woman’s identity and the roles she plays. Indy began to understand that a woman could be a wife and mother, or neither, but her identity does not change. Indy asked a lot of questions and then she asked her point blank, ”what do you put your identity in?” It was a great question. Susan told Indy that her identity was in Jesus.
Indy wanted to know more so the conversation continued. Susan sensed that Indy was seeking. She knew that Indy hungered for something more than being “spiritual;” Indy was looking for a relationship. At the airport that day, Indy gratefully took a small New Testament Bible from Susan.
The Ezer study gave Susan a language that all women from all nations and all walks of life can understand. That language opened a door to the gospel of Jesus Christ. When you least expect it, the Lord may give you an opportunity to share what you have learned. Even of though she was exhausted, when Susan was accepting, non-judgmental and inviting to Indy, God used that act of obedience to open the door of Indy’s heart. You never know when or how the Lord will use what you have learned in someone’s life. Isn’t it encouraging that someone could be distracted from God, make poor choices, and still be used by God in such a powerful way? His power, His might, His words and spirit draw women to Himself. The Ezer study was a tool God used that day in Susan’s life as she allowed God to lead her.
No matter your season of life, are you willing to be obedient to God’s call to be an ezer in all situations? You never know what doors God might open because you are willing to be inviting to a stranger.
Do you have a story about a time God prompted you to be inviting or nurturing to a stranger? Please share your comments below.
~Women’s Ministry Team