Acts 16:14 A woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple fabric, … a God-fearing woman, listened to us. The Lord opened her heart to respond.
“You will be My witnesses even to the farthest regions of the Earth. Go make disciples!” We all know the great commission, yet many believers wrestle with the practical question, “How do I accomplish this?” It is even more difficult in this time of restriction. Yet, many have grown extremely desperate, lonely, fearful, and confused. There is a great need for people to experience the witness of the Church – the followers of Jesus. Yet, the ‘how’ remains as big as it ever was. The events from Acts 16:6-14 hold keys that can be of help and encouragement to us now.
Paul, Silas, and company had been sent out to accomplish the great commission. The narrative begins with two strikes against the team. They were blocked from going to both Asia and Bithynia. One night, Paul had a vision of a man begging them to come to Macedonia, so the group decided to go there. They eventually arrived in Philippi, the main city of Macedonia, and stayed a few days. However, nothing immediately happened. On the Sabbath, they went to the riverside to find a place of prayer. Finding a group of women who had gathered together, Paul and his friends recognized the opportunity. They sat down with those women and began to talk. Among that group of women was Lydia. She was already respectful of God, and He opened her heart to their words. Lydia was the first person in Macedonia to believe in Jesus.
Here’s what I see:
1) God can lead us past all obstacles. Don’t get frustrated and quit! In the text, those 2 blocked avenues were merely the wrong options for the moment.
2) Pray! Paul’s team were constantly seeking the guidance and direction of the Holy Spirit. We must also ask God for guidance right now. Pray for those who are desperate that they will connect with faithful believers. Pray that we might be led to them.
3) Remember – God is already working in the world. Only God knows which hearts are prepared to listen and respond. Our job is to remain open, hopeful, and prayerful as God leads us to God-fearing people, like Lydia, who don’t yet know Jesus. Though life has drastically changed for us, “Lydia” is still out there. She has questions about life, hope and God.
“Holy Spirit, lead us to “Lydia” and give us the words that will engage her open heart.”