“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).
The gospel’s entrance into Europe began through an unexpected person: a businesswoman named Lydia. She was from Thyatira but doing business in Philippi as a seller of purple cloth, a trade associated with wealth and royalty. Though not yet a follower of Jesus, she was already a worshiper of God and met regularly with other women for Sabbath prayer. When Paul and his companions came to the river, they joined the prayer gathering and shared the message of Christ. God opened Lydia’s heart to receive the gospel, and she responded in faith and baptism. Her entire household followed her example. Lydia then offered her home to Paul and his team, making it the first meeting place of the Philippian church. The Lord used her influence, home, and resources to advance the gospel in a new region.
We can be encouraged by Lydia’s story. God delights in using ordinary people—business owners, workers, and worshipers—who open their hearts to Him. We can trust that when we surrender our lives, homes, businesses, and abilities to God, He will use them for His kingdom purposes. Lydia’s business acumen, spiritual hunger, and hospitality became instruments in God’s hand to bring salvation to many. We can ask ourselves: Are we willing to offer what we have—our homes, workplaces, and talents—for the gospel? Like Lydia, we can be used by God to reach others when we entrust Him with every area of our lives.
PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You for the example of Lydia. We ask that You would open our hearts to fully receive Your Word and respond in obedience. Help us to see how our homes, businesses, and gifts can serve Your purposes. Use us to help others hear and believe the gospel. May our lives become platforms for proclaiming Christ to our families, neighbors, and communities. We entrust everything we have to You and ask that You multiply it for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.