God’s Work in Hearts

Lydia worked hard as a businesswoman who ran a textile company. She was a “seller of purple,” which refers to the dye extracted from the Murex sea shell and used in dying clothing and materials. She had a busy life, yet the Lord had been working in her heart. Lydia did not know the Lord, but she had an open heart and was seeking for peace and meaning in life.

As Paul preached in the region of Macedonia, Lydia listened to his preaching and her heart was opened by the Lord. The word "heard" in Acts 16:14 is a past imperfect tense verb, which indicates that Lydia had probably heard the gospel message more than once. God had been working in her heart for a while before she heard Paul’s message and responded to it.

Many people are at different points of spiritual receptivity. Some have hard hearts toward God’s message while others are curious like Lydia. God calls us all to minister to other people and spread His gospel. But it is He alone who works in hearts.

As often as we go soulwinning or as passionate as we are to see souls saved, only God can change hearts and bring people to salvation. I’m sure many people heard Paul’s message in Macedonia and rejected it, yet God had worked in Lydia’s heart so that she accepted His truth.

Being faithful without seeing immediate results can become discouraging, but God promises that as you follow Him, He will bless your faithfulness. Rather than becoming discouraged, pray that God will work in the hearts of those around you. Be faithful to share the gospel, and trust God to convict hearts of His truth.

Today’s Gospel Declaration Principle:

God alone can save, but those faithful to His leading can share in the joy of seeing others saved.