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Learn from Lydia

 

There are a lot of interesting mentions of women in the Bible. Whether it is the Old Testament or New Testament, there are many strong, yet oddly missed, lessons from women that we can familiarize ourselves with to strengthen our faith. 

One such woman is named Lydia. She provides a very powerful lesson for us. We find one particular mention of her in the book of Acts. Acts 16:14, says that Lydia “reverenced God, and the Lord opened her heart to accept what Paul was saying.” 

Lydia is actually a significant person in the New Testament. She is described as “a dealer in purple goods” (Acts 16:14). Pointing that out is quite a clue. Dealing in “purple goods” was considered a luxury in the ancient world. 

It is probably safe to say that she was both a woman of great financial means and able to deal successfully with the influential people of her time. She was also noted as having a great gift of persuasion. 

I think she might have been the only person in the New Testament who go “toe to toe” in dealing with the Apostle Paul, when she prevailed in her persistence that he come to her home. Her abilities are so strong, that Paul wrote of it in Acts 16:15. “When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. “If you consider me a believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us.” 

Lydia worshipped God and her heart was open to the preaching of the apostles and to her credit, she also had the spiritual gift of being an “assistant” to Paul. Lydia also had the spiritual gift of leadership, as the “home church” in Philippi presumably met in her house. We see evidence of her work in Acts 16:40, “After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia’s house, where they met with the brothers and sisters and encouraged them. Then they left.” 

Paul and Silas would have probably failed in Philippi if it weren’t for Lydia. Yet the foundation of the work that Paul and Silas started in Philippi all flourished in the church due to Lydia opening her home to them. 

The foundation offered by Lydia’s firm faith and stable home led to the perseverance of the Philippian community. The letter to the Philippians is a testament to the importance of the church which met in Lydia’s home. 

She did what she could. She provided through what means and ability she had. She did so out of love and commitment. She wasn’t trying to impress anyone. She wasn’t trying to win any favors. She just knew that she must carry out what was laid on her heart. 

Lydia. The woman of “purple goods.” One person with a heart open to the Holy Spirit can make a lasting impact for the kingdom of God. Learn from Lydia. Be a Lydia. Use everything in your life for the service of the Lord. 

Let us stop squandering our wealth, time, and resources on worldly things of pleasure, entertainment and leisure. Let us be able to pray: “Heavenly Father, use me for Your Kingdom and use me up. Help me to serve like Lydia. Amen.”

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