“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21).
Lydia was an essential part of Paul’s ministry in Philippi, known to be the first convert to Christianity in all of Europe. She was from the city of Thyatira and a dealer of purple cloth which was very valuable, representing nobility or royalty. With no mention of a husband, it is assumed Lydia maintained her own household and would have had to possess grit and determination to work in the male-dominated world of that time. She was likely a woman of wealth because of her vocation.
More importantly, Lydia was a woman of God who opened her heart to Jesus in response to Paul’s message. She courageously came forward and was publicly baptized. She was hospitable to Paul and his accompanying missionaries, hosting them in her own home. Acts 16:40 says, “When Paul and Silas left the prison, they returned to the home of Lydia. There they met with the believers and encouraged them once more. Then they left town.”
Though she is only mentioned in a few verses in the Bible, Lydia’s impact on the early Christian Church and Paul’s ministry was extraordinary. She was a hard-working, courageous woman God used to do mighty, Kingdom things! Her generosity was foundational to the spread of Christianity that spanned the globe.
Guiding Points:
Call to Action: How can we be hospitable and generous to others—open to being used by God to spread the gospel?
“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased” (Hebrews 13:16).
“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed” (Proverbs 11:25).
“Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God” (2 Corinthians 9:11).
Prayer: Father God, we praise Your holy name today as the Lord of our lives! Give us a generous spirit with the desire to share Your gospel with those who need it. Open our hearts to whatever You have for us to do. We love You, Lord, and thank You for Your guidance! In Your name, we pray, Amen!
Final Thought: Though the pages of our lives may not seem filled with many lines of profound stories, the most impactful lines are those we commit to God to further His Kingdom.
Lessons Learned From Lydia
The Strongest Faith in the Deepest Pain
“For she said, ‘If I touch even His garments, I will be made well’” (Mark 5:28).
Walking Confidently in His Light
“For once, you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So, live as people of light!” (Ephesians 5:8).
On the Solid Rock, We Stand
“He alone is my Rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken” (Psalm 62:6).
Battling Anxiety: A Christian Perspective
“Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad” (Proverbs 12:25).
Let the Peace of Christ Rule
“Let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one Body, you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful” (Colossians 3:15).
Surrounded by The Father
“The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth” (Psalm 145:18).
God Uses Imperfect People in Extraordinary Ways
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10).
Turning Your Mess into a Message
“Come and hear, all you who fear God; let me tell you what He has done for me” (Psalm 66:16).
Encouragement and Prayer for New Graduates
Graduation is such an exciting moment! While it’s the end of a significant chapter, it’s the beginning of many new ones forward! Taking time to celebrate this milestone is important. While there may be some uncertainty about next steps, God’s Word provides direction for the road ahead. God cares about the details of every life and wants to lead each graduate to their purpose in Christ. When we seek His face and lean into Him, He promises to be with us in every step of the journey (Matthew 6:33).