GOD WOOS HEARTS
- Key Verse
- "A woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple fabrics, a worshiper of God, was listening; and the Lord opened her heart to respond to the things spoken by Paul." (Acts 16:14)
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Central Truth
God opened the heart of Lydia, who was a listener and a worshiper of God.
Reflections
I love a good story. Ever since I was a little girl, I've enjoyed hearing a friend or relative tell a personal story of something that happened in their life. I love to hear stories of how God works in people's hearts to draw them to Himself. Everyone has their own story, and each story is a treasure in itself.One of my favorite childhood memories was that of sitting on a stool in my Grandfather's bookbinding shop, watching him bind old Bibles that were falling apart. As if it were yesterday, I can still smell the fresh leather mingled with hints of old shop dust, strong glue and my grandfather's Old Spice cologne. I would sit for hours watching him methodically bind each Bible, stamp the person's name in gold, and lovingly wrap the finished product in brown paper tied with string.
My wise grandfather would lovingly impart godly wisdom into my young heart as I sat captivated by his work, his words and his life. He loved God's word more than anyone I had ever met, and had a genuine faith and joyful spirit. It was during these times that God wooed my heart, and on a summer evening in that old house, I accepted Christ as my personal savior.
Lydia reminds me of myself. Her story is compelling in many ways and illustrates the sovereignty of God. She was not in a time or place where one would predict that she would come to Christ, yet she was a worshiper of God who was listening, and God opened her heart to believe. The Spirit of God gave her spiritual ears to hear, and spiritual eyes that saw the irresistible grace of Christ toward her.
My story is similar in that I was not in a time or place in my childhood where I would predictably come to Christ. My parents did not take me to church. There was no youth group or fabulous youth leader with star status. I was just a little girl who was wooed by the Spirit of God in a dusty bookbinding shop.
Discussion Questions
- Looking back on your life, what was it that God used to woo your heart?
- According to Lydia's story, what was it that made her heart change?
- How does her story encourage us to trust God's timetable?
- The Greek word for "listening" in v. 14 means to listen intently, to pay careful attention to the words being spoken. How does listening intently allow God to work in our hearts?
Comments
The views expressed under “Comments” are solely
those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Grace Community Church.
Wendell R
March 12, 2010 05:36 AM
I just returned from China where I visited Amity Press - - they print only Bibles by the millions. The story of your grandfather was just what I needed for today.. I assisted with a team that distributed 10,000 Bibles in rural China and the devil slaps me with the question... "Is the Bible enough?" You define for me a my answer... God Bless you..
Jeri
March 12, 2010 08:31 AM
MaryAnn, I, too, love a good story. Your touched my heart this morning. Jeri
Cindy MacIlvaine
March 12, 2010 08:58 AM
I want to be like your grandfather! What simple passion he had to pass his faith on to you! Thank you for sharing this personal story and for reminding me to listen intently to God.
charlene pearman
March 12, 2010 10:21 AM
Mary Ann, I am embarrassed that I had never heard this beautiful story from you. What a great reminder that it is the Lord who opens hearts and he does it in His time and place. Thank you! (Miss you)
Lynn Carpenter
March 12, 2010 12:35 PM
I enjoy a good story too, and your story of accepting Jesus into your heart in your grandfather's shop was touching.
Karen G.
March 12, 2010 04:08 PM
Your story added a wonderful volume to my "brain library". I love this journey. Thank you, sister!
Pete
March 12, 2010 04:37 PM
Mary Ann, Thanks for sharing this wonderful story. I really needed to hear it today when I got home from work. All the sudden the stress of the day wasn't important any longer. I remember the unique smell of his shop too. I sure miss our grandpa Bussey. Thanks again, love you little sister.
Robin Holland
March 13, 2010 09:55 AM
Aw! I love to hear it every time;you and your grandfather in his shop! I picture it as if i got to witness it myself! It warms my heart and reminds me of God wooing my heart one summer day doing what I loved to do most of all....ride my horse. How lovely of my heavenly Father to meet me there and call me by name to Himself. I continue to be amazed and humbled at God's wooing! Thanks for blessing my heart...again!
Marian Snook
March 13, 2010 11:57 AM
Thanks Mary Ann, I too, had a wonderful example of Christ's love and grace in my Mother. In my earliest recollection, I remember her teaching me about Christ and how He wanted to be the central part of my life. Thanks for reminding that today. Marian
Joe
March 14, 2010 02:31 PM
What can I say. Grandpa always had a way of warming our hearts by channeling God's love to his grandchildren. I miss him.
vickie walden
March 17, 2010 07:38 AM
Mary Ann, your testimony has encouraged me to not give up praying for those I love but do not know Christ. Just as the Holy Spirit 'orchestrated' Paul's group to go to Lydia, He will do the same today... He loves each one of us that much!