“And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul. And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house and abide there. And she constrained us” (Acts 16:14-15).
We find another example of a woman using her spiritual gift in the story of Lydia. She was a business woman and possibly quite wealthy. She had the gift of hospitality, which she immediately wanted to use for God. Once her spiritual eyes were opened and she and her household were baptized, she invited Paul and company to come to her house and abide with her. I picture her as a gracious hostess.
I remember one of my early mentors. She was given to hospitality. Whether for a meal or just a visit, people always felt comfortable in her home.
Times have changed. Invitations into homes for a meal or an overnight stay are rare. It doesn’t seem convenient or we’re too busy with our lives. If you feel you have the gift of hospitality, don’t be afraid to use it. Dare to be a Lydia.
Sue Winchester
Missouri
PRAY TOGETHER: Today is Day 25 of 40 days of Prayer and Fasting with International Missions.
