Lydia

Lydia was a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira.  Her path crossed with the Apostle Paul’s missionary journey at a river on the outskirts of Philippi.  Lydia, who was a God-fearing woman, was praying with others at the riverside when Paul told the group about Jesus Christ.  The Scriptures say that God “opened her heart” to the message of the gospel.  She immediately desired to be baptized, along with the members of her household, and invited Paul to stay at her house.

For the whole story, read Acts 16:11-15.

I hope that this image will be a reminder to you of His sovereignty over all of our steps, the gentle way He opens hearts to His truth, and the joy we experience with one another as we choose to follow Him.