Lydia Listened and Responded

PART TWO – LYDIA

This week’s Scripture: Acts 16: 6-40  (Read from Biblegateway)

Paul spoke to the women at the prayer meeting by the river on the Sabbath. Lydia listened to Paul speak of his faith. Lydia was quick to respond to Paul’s message. She publicly accepted the life-changing words and confessed she was a believer. God opened Lydia’s heart to hear the words and believe.

There at the river Lydia listened, heard, believed, and confessed. She realized that everyone needed to hear Paul's words and accept the Savior about whom he spoke. In her excitement she immediately shared her saving knowledge of the Lord by witnessing to her whole household! Lydia and the members of her household were baptized. They buried their old life and took on a new life with God in charge.

I am impressed with how quickly Lydia heard and responded to God opening her heart. We can learn from Lydia: when God takes a step toward us, our response is to step toward Him!

I can understand Lydia’s eagerness to learn all she could about God. I have the same hunger. I can imagine her quietly leaning in as Paul talked to her group about things she had never heard before.

Paul talked about a real person, Jesus. He was the long awaited Messiah. Jesus died for her sins, was resurrected, and was in Heaven with God to intercede for her. Her hope was now in Christ and His resurrection. Because of Jesus, Lydia could ask for forgiveness. She could rest on Him for her salvation. Lydia listened, learned, believed, and acted on her faith. Lydia’s life changed as a result of her response.

Lydia was the key person to spread the gospel which increased the number of Christians in Philippi and beyond. She was willing to seek God, follow Him, be obedient, and devoted to Him. What she did had no limits because God has no limits in what he can accomplish through one person who is willing.

What I learned through Lydia’s story today was: believing and worshiping God is not enough if we are to grow in our faith. Hearts need to be changed. A desire to be obedient and devoted to God must come into being.

Scripture comes to mind: That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. (Romans 10:9-10 NIV)

Pray [in your own words]: Praise God for Lydia’s faithfulness in being a part of the prayer group at the river and her acceptance of the gospel of Christ. Ask God to melt your heart like He did Lydia’s so He can fully come into your life. Ask God to knock down any walls that prevent Him from moving in your life. Ask God to help you encourage others by telling them what He is doing in your life and the hope He has for them.