From Life's Window



He Is Faithful
by Gretchen Riedel

Two and a half years ago my husband, Jim, and I moved to a new location. We had lived in our home for 24 years and raised our children there. I had enjoyed a ministry with young mothers mostly revolving around a neighborhood Bible study. This was the first time we had moved without children and I found myself in a totally new situation-knowing no one and with no family around.

To meet people, and keep in shape, I joined a water aerobics class. Many of the women in the class also attended the local garden club. I joined both of these groups to get to know them. I asked God to give me opportunities to witness. Two years later, all I had to show for my efforts was new friends, but absolutely no ministry. I wondered if perhaps I was too old to be used by God! Maybe He was "putting me on the shelf."

Then last fall our local church asked me to lead a Bible study on an overview of the Bible. I said "Yes," but my heart was with my friends. None of them seemed interested in spiritual things. I began praying for them-fervently and regularly. When I started asking them, one at a time, if they would be interested in knowing what the Bible was all about, five women said yes! None had ever attended a Bible study; most had to go purchase a Bible. One friend informed me that she had purchased a new "HIV" Bible. Then she said, "That isn't right, is it?" I said it was probably an "NIV."

My friends have been attending this weekly class for several months and are excited about what they are learning. They've even talked about it with other women, who have asked if we would do this again next year because they, too, want to know more about the Bible. Enough husbands are interested that my husband and I plan to lead a couple's study in our home.

God has used this process to show me that He is always working-even when we think nothing is happening. During these past two years I often felt useless and old, and cried out to God many times. He taught me that befriending people out of concern in my heart for their relationship with Jesus is ministry. He also taught me that the more I pray for each woman, the more I love her and begin seeing her through God's eyes.

I had begun to doubt in those two years a promise God had given me for this season in my life: "Even in old age they will still produce fruit and be vital and green. This honors the Lord and exhibits His faithful care" (Psalm 94:14-15). How gracious He has been to prove that promise to me! Seeing Him draw these women to Himself has energized my faith.
Gretchen and Jim Riedel have served as Navigator staff for 17 years. They have worked with CDM in the United States and Australia, and currently work with the Campus Leadership Network of the Collegiate Entity. They have four grown daughters and by April will have seven grandchildren.