There is this wonderful passage in Luke chapter 8, where verses 1 to 3 talk about women who provided for Jesus from their substance:
Luke 8:1-3
"Now it came to pass, afterward, that He went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him, and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities—Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons, and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others who provided for Him from their substance."
This passage means that these women helped Jesus and His ministry by using their own resources and wealth, such as food, shelter, or financial support.
This reminds me of the wonderful woman and her husband who shared her testimony yesterday at our church, whom I would love to call a modern-day Lydia. Previously, in his messages at church, our pastor used to mention a family who had given him the keys to their house in Chennai to use anytime he wanted to pray alone. And yesterday, when we saw this family on stage—whom we had rarely seen before—I understood that families and women can do so much for local churches and the families of ministers in their own way, by staying behind the scenes.
When the Global Prayer Center was opened yesterday in Chennai, we saw dignitaries gathered in a red carpet area. On the other side, we saw a few men working to make things ready for the service that was about to happen. They were arranging the flowers; some were working on the sound system, while others were setting up the seats. What a blessing it is when everybody uses what they have for the glory of God—whether on the red carpet or at the ground level.
Are we ready to do God's work, to support His ministers with what we have?
In the Old Testament, we see a woman who prepared a rooftop room for Prophet Elisha to use whenever he needed.
2 Kings 4:8-11
"One day Elisha went on to Shunem, where a wealthy woman lived, who urged him to eat some food. So whenever he passed that way, he would turn in there to eat food. And she said to her husband, 'Behold now, I know that this is a holy man of God who is continually passing our way. Let us make a small room on the roof with walls and put there for him a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp, so that whenever he comes to us, he can go in there.' One day he came there, and he turned into the chamber and rested there."
Whereas in the New Testament, we see Lydia serving God's men in their ministry.
Acts 16:15
"When she and her household were baptized, she begged us, saying, 'If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house and stay.'"
Lydia and her household became the base of operations for Paul, Silas, Timothy, and Luke. May God give us the wisdom to allow ourselves and what He has given us to be used for His glory.
Dear God,
Thank You for Your love. You are doing marvelous things on earth. Use us to establish Your kingdom on earth. May we be Your Lydia. May we use our substance to serve You in every way we can.
In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
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