"Show
hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a
gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied
grace: ... whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God
supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus
Christ." (1 Peter 4:9–11 ESV)
She and her
husband had been missionaries for over sixty years and led countless
people to Christ. Now she was in her eighties and still serving. My
friend Sheli and I were honored to stay with her for a week to minister
alongside her.
After
traveling thirty hours to her home in Takamatsu, Japan, we arrived late
in the evening. She ushered us into her kitchen for a hearty meal, then
prayed for us before we all went to bed. When the sun was barely up the
next morning, we feasted on an enormous breakfast in her tiny kitchen.
The kitchen was crowded, her appliances old and worn,
dishes piled high in the sink from her lavish food preparation—yet the
atmosphere felt entirely like home. As she and her husband read
Scripture and encouraged us, tears welled up in my eyes, the love of
Christ enveloped us; it overwhelmed me.
Immediately after breakfast, she began cooking again,
this time for 100 women. She'd rented a banquet hall and invited
friends, telling them an American would be speaking and there would be
food. We cooked, set up tables for the luncheon, and then I was ushered
to the front to speak. Her objective in hosting the event was to build a
bridge in hopes that those who came for lunch would come back again for
church on Sunday. Many did!
While driving home after the lunch, she told me she'd
invited a large group to the house for dinner that night. I couldn't
imagine how we could clean up the mess we'd left behind and
simultaneously prepare another meal. How would we get it all done? She
didn't seem concerned. Instead, she was fueled by the energy of what the
Lord had done at the luncheon.
There have
been times I've worried more about my kitchen than how I can serve
others. I fret over the size and messiness. But I was inspired as I
watched this woman who had no concerns about the dirty pots in her sink.
She didn't let an unswept floor keep her from ministering. She set the
table beautifully and welcomed her guests. She and her husband prayed
and read Scripture. Hearts melted.
Years have
passed since that week in Japan and I think of her whenever I have
company. Over the course of her life, she has ministered to thousands in
her home, and many have come to know Jesus there. Her ministry has
nothing to do with a spotless kitchen. In fact, her kitchen was a mess.
But whenever God opens a window of opportunity, she seizes it.
I want my
service to be like that described by the apostle Peter, grounded "in the
strength that God supplies." I want to long for people to know Jesus
more than I long for the perfect kitchen.
God cares more
about what's happening among the people in our kitchen than He cares
about the state of it. My missionary friend taught me that it is
possible to share God's love, demonstrate His character, and offer
hospitality, even in the midst of dirty dishes.
Dear Lord,
show me ways to serve through the resources You've given me. Help me
care more about people than things like dirty dishes. In Jesus' name,
Amen.
Related Resources
Sometimes we need a trusted friend to remind us that God supplies all
our needs, including strength to serve others. We would love to be a
voice of encouragement and godly perspective to you through the 100
devotions found in our new book, Encouragement for Today: Devotionals
for Everyday Living.
You may notice
the format below is different. That's because today's devotion is a
sample pulled directly from Encouragement for Today to give you a taste
of our new book. Click here to pick up your copy.
Visit Sharon Glasgow's blog for more encouragement.
Remember
Your kitchen is a perfect place to show hospitality. Don't wait for it
to be perfect to invite guests. God will supply the ability you need to
minister in your kitchen, and He will be glorified.
Reflect
Would you be willing to invite people to stay for dinner if they dropped
by unannounced—even if your kitchen were a mess? Why or why not?
Respond
Can you think of a one person, family, or neighbor who doesn't know
Jesus that you could invite for dinner? Make a call and get it on the
calendar.
Power Verses
Proverbs 31:15; Proverbs 31:25–27
Taken from
Encouragement for Today: Devotions for Everyday Living by Renee Swope,
Lysa TerKeurst and Samantha Evilsizer and the Proverbs 31 Ministries
Team. © 2013 Proverbs 31 Ministries. Used by permission of Zondervan.
www.zondervan.com.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org
