Nougat 6

This Lydia! She was one outstanding woman. Let’s learn more as we consider Today’s Holy Nougat.

‭Acts 16:15 NIV‬

[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, Obedient Believer

So we’re already aware that Lydia was a woman of means, possibly a nobleman, and a trader of indigo (cloth). When she met Paul on the city outskirts, she was already obedient to God. However, God told her to submit to Paul’s message. Her willingness to obey God underscored our appreciation for her humility, as she could have opted to ignore God’s leading.

What we can surmise from also is that Lydia was decisive. Proverbs 31 indicates that a virtuous woman is fairly independent and decisive: ‘she sees a field and buys it …’ This isn’t a task decision, it is that she had the means and the acumen. Likewise, Lydia’s ability to extend an invitation to Paul and entourage says she could make independent decisions. Like the Proverbs 31 woman, Lydia had the means to accommodate the team at her expense. Lydia was also generous.

In an era where many people prefer to squirrel away their funds, often to the detriment of their congregation or denomination, we need a few like Lydia. Yes, she probably had ulterior motives – direct access to teaching about Jesus – but her zeal and generosity are worth emulating.

Lydia’s decisiveness is reminiscent off the Ethiopian eunuch. Remember him from Acts 8? He was the one who, in discovering that God’s love extended to people like him, said to Philip, ‘What is to stop me from getting baptised here and now?’ He wasted no time. Lydia was already at the riverside, she wasted no time to decide. When God stirs us to action, how quickly do we respond? Are we decisive, or do we do Feasibility Surveys or consult others before saying yes to God’s will?

I’m not saying don’t count the cost. I’m not even saying ignore family of the decision would affect them. But when God moves and invites us to be part of the process, let’s be mindful that we join in willingly.

If you are reading this Nougat and haven’t yet answered God’s call, it may be time to say like Lydia and the eunuch, ‘It’s time. I believe. Lord take control of my life.’ That decision doesn’t require wealth. But it can transform your life forever.

If you are reading this Nougat and you know God’s been calling you to move forward in faith; what’s to stop you from decisive obedience? You are welcome to ask God to confirm that you’re truly hearing from God. And when that happens – what’s to stop you from stepping boldly forward?

If you are reading this Nougat and you know you should be giving more resources towards building God’s Kingdom, what are you waiting for? Lives are depending on your gift! Invite the servant of God in, make provision and be the support God’s called you to be.

God desires an obedient, faithful and decisive bride. May we be all that, and more.

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May all we seek be found in Christ