April 20 Lydia: A Heart Open to God

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Theme: Being receptive to God's call and sharing faith in your sphere of influence.

 Scripture Passage: Acts 16:14 (NIV) "One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message."

Evadne Harding
Kings SDA Church


With all the noise and distractions around us, it is easy for us to miss that still, small voice of God. Yet, in Acts 16, we find a beautiful example of a woman whose heart was open and ready to receive His message. Lydia, a successful businesswoman, was gathered with other women at a place of prayer when she encountered the apostle Paul. The Bible tells us that the Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s words.


Lydia’s story reminds us that an open heart is not about status, knowledge, or even religious background—it is about being receptive to God’s voice. My mom was seriously ill. I was home alone with her. It was way in the night. I had a long day at work that day. I had just gone to bed, but something kept nudging me to get up and go to her room (I now know it was the voice of God). I obeyed, and there she was laying across her bed, less responsive. With quick action from family and friends, she received medical attention, and she was revived. 


I am happy I listened to that still small voice and was able to be of service to my mother. Like Lydia, I listened and acted. God rewarded my faith by extending my mom’s life. She eventually went to “sleep”, but the time I got with her was ’precious’ and will be forever etched in my mind.


How often do we allow the distractions of life to drown out God’s voice? Do we approach Him with a heart ready to listen, learn, and act? Lydia’s example challenges us to position ourselves where we can hear from God—whether in prayer, studying His Word, or in fellowship with other believers.

Today, let us ask God to open our hearts as He did for Lydia. May we be ready not only to listen but to respond in faith and obedience, becoming instruments for His Kingdom.


Prayer:
Heavenly Father, open my heart to hear Your voice and respond with faith. Remove any distractions or resistance that keep me from fully surrendering to You. Like Lydia, help me to be a willing servant, eager to follow where You lead. In Jesus’ name, Amen.


 

 

Comments

  1. Anonymous20 April 2025 at 05:33

    Amen

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous20 April 2025 at 06:53

    Amen

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous20 April 2025 at 11:04

    Amen!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Anonymous20 April 2025 at 21:47

    A ‘Precious’ message my sister.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Anonymous28 April 2025 at 06:29

    Amen 🙏🏽

    ReplyDelete
  6. Anonymous27 May 2025 at 05:38

    Many of us women, we are so busy with our personal and business life that we forget to stop and speak with God. ONLY if we do, we WILL hear God’s still voice and our days and nights WILL be so much restful peaceful and productive!!

    ReplyDelete

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