God Chooses a Special Woman

“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

What do you bring with you from your homeland when you come to America—family roots, a native language and culture, education and skills, a religious upbringing? Whether you know it or not, God loves you so much that he created you special and has a special purpose for your life through Jesus Christ, your Savior.

God leads Paul to Europe for the first time. He stops at Philippi, a Roman colony with no synagogue. Therefore, he visits the riverside to find a group of Jewish women at prayer. One of them named Lydia, probably not a Jewess, was a worshiper of God. She and the other women did not yet know the crucified and risen Jesus as their Savior. The Lord opened her heart to listen to Paul’s saving words about Jesus. She believed and was baptized along with her household. Lydia comes from Thyatira in modern Turkey, heads a thriving business selling purple goods, and has a network of influence in the area—a special woman indeed. She persuades Paul and his companions to stay in her home and welcomes a house church of new believers.

Could God be choosing you with your special background first to believe in Jesus as your Savior and then to reach others with Jesus in your home and circle of influence?

Lord, my crucified and risen Savior, help me use my special background to reach others in your Name.

Stephen J. Carter, Oakville, MO