Opened Her Heart

Acts 16:14

One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul.

 

In response to the Macedonian vision, Paul and Timothy made their way to Philippi, a leading city in Macedonia and a Roman colony. Remaining in the city for a few days, they went outside the gate to the riverside where there was supposed to be a place of prayer. It was here at a divine appointment that Paul met Lydia. How beautiful is God's timing! In the first place, Lydia was not from that city but from Thyatira (a goodly distance away). Yet, she had come to the river to worship and to pray with other women.

 

Lydia herself was a business woman, a seller of purple goods which implies she was a woman of means and decisive action, but the important thing about her was that she was a worshiper of God. As Paul talked to her, The Lord opened her heart to pay attention. What a beautiful way to express the drawing of the Lord! When the Lord draws a person to Himself there is no distance too great, no messenger too far away, and no heart unprepared. He will bring to pass all the circumstances necessary for that one saving moment. The text transitions immediately from her listening to the baptism of Lydia and her household. Clearly, her heart was responsive, and she was ready to follow the Lord. Seizing the opportunity, she invited Paul and Timothy to stay at her house. Such a house guest as this would mean more teaching and more growth! Not only was her heart opened, but it was also hungry for the words that would help her grow as a disciple of the Lord.

 

Father,

As I read Your word and walk through each day, open my heart to pay attention to the opportunities for growth and for witness that You bring in my life. Help me be decisive in each day's circumstances, constantly learning and growing.

In Jesus name,

Amen