Where Are You, God? 30 First Encounters With GodSample

Day 23: Lydia - The Businesswoman

When Paul first set foot in Europe, he wasn't looking for kings or philosophers—he was looking for a place to pray. What he found by a riverside in Philippi would change the course of Christianity on an entire continent.

"On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer" (Acts 16:13). There was no synagogue in Philippi, so the small group of God-fearing women gathered by the water for worship. Among them was Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira.

A Successful Entrepreneur

Lydia wasn't just any businesswoman—she dealt in purple fabric, one of the most expensive commodities in the ancient world. Purple dye was extracted from murex snail shells in a costly process, making purple cloth a luxury item worn by royalty. Her business required significant capital and international connections.

As a worshiper of God, Lydia was already seeking truth, but she hadn't yet heard about Jesus.

The Lord Opens Hearts

"The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message" (Acts 16:14). This wasn't just intellectual persuasion—it was divine intervention. God Himself was preparing Europe's first convert to the Gospel. Lydia's response was immediate and complete.

Immediate Action

Lydia and her household were baptized without delay. But her conversion didn't stop with personal faith—it immediately became practical hospitality. She urged Paul and his companions to come and stay at her house, and she persuaded them to accept her invitation.

The European Headquarters

Lydia's home became the first Christian meeting place in Europe. Her house served as headquarters for Paul's mission in Philippi and a gathering place for the new believers. When Paul and Silas were later released from prison, they went straight to Lydia's house before leaving the city.

Strategic Placement

God strategically placed a successful businesswoman at the forefront of European Christianity. Lydia had the resources, connections, and social standing to provide a strong foundation for the growing church.

Your Influence

God is still calling successful professionals to use their platforms for His purposes. Your professional relationships and social influence could become the foundation for reaching others with the Gospel. Like Lydia, your open heart and open home could launch movements that impact entire continents.