“They went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. So, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas. And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us.’ And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.
“So, setting sail from Troas, we made a direct voyage to Samothrace, and the following day to Neapolis, and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We remained in this city some days. On the Sabbath day we went outside the gate to the riverside, where we supposed there was a place of prayer, and we sat down and spoke to the women who had come together. One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul. And after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, ..‘Come to my house and stay.’ And she prevailed upon us.” Acts 16:6-15
Paul and Silas were on a mission with big plans, so big they scooped up Timothy to accompany them in strengthening the churches. Eager to teach the word to as many as possible, they were specifically directed by the Holy Spirit not to the places they’d intended but to Macedonia, where the Lord had gone before them to prepare for revival. Orchestrating what only He could do, God gathered some women at the riverside on the Sabbath and directed Paul outside the city gate to find her. What man considers unlikely or not at all, God Almighty arranges for His doing and glory. (Acts 16:1-5; 17:1-2)
Lydia was God’s worshipper to become God’s missionary. The nascent faith of this dealer of purple cloth would bloom into eager, wide sharing of the gospel. Also led by the Spirit of God, whether she recognized it or not, she gathered with like-minded women for a divine appointment. The Lord Himself would open her heart to full truth, and beginning with her, revive Philippi.
In what part of revival is the Lord directing us? Are we so bent on our own zealous plans that we fail to listen for His directives, or avoid seeking the Spirit’s lead and blessing of our work altogether? How patient and sensitive are we to His voice?
Might He want to do a work in us first? How could He transform our worship by deepening desire and commitment, or through richer understanding of His character and ways? How often do we head to the riverside to pray and receive His ministry and teaching? And how do we apply and employ what we receive for the good of others?
Lord, revive me in purity and passion for Thee, then use me as an instrument of revival for whomever You desire and prepare, that You be known and praised.
As the rain and snow 