Through my study of Acts I have been learning a lot about boldness in teaching the truth.
But God has been showing me many other things as well. One of them was in Acts 16, where we are introduced to Lydia:
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.
(Acts 16:14 ESV)
Lydia, a seller of luxury clothing, a “successful” business woman by the world’s terms, a leader in her community and household – she was not idle, but made an honest living while working faithfully.
She knew of God, and she worshiped him – as some “good” people claim to do. But she did not know Christ nor God’s word.
But when she heard Paul preach from the word of God, THE LORD OPENED HER HEART to pay attention. SHE did not open her heart – the LORD opened her heart.
With her opened heart came her ears opened to hear, her lips opened to pray, and her hands opened to give.
And after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” And she prevailed upon us.
(Acts 16:15 ESV)
I want to be attentive to the word of God, giving him in all things the first place; with my heart tuned in to hear and respond; to apply God’s word to my life.
To have a heart like Lydia is to have a heart surrendered to God and his Kingship, attentive to his word, and obedient to Christ’s work in my heart.
