On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message.
Acts 16:13-14
This passage tells us that wherever we go to share the Gospel, God is already there. He opens people’s hearts and minds that the message we bring might be heard. God doesn’t need our help for anything in His creation; why then does He call us to share His message?
God wants us to be part of the process of sharing His love so that those who are searching may see how He works in our lives. It is easier for us to understand God when we are presented with His love and grace in other people. That is why Jesus came to be with us – to relate to us in a familiar way.
He then gave us the task of being His messengers, that we would do as He had done, spreading the Good News to all God’s children. We are called to be a blessing to the whole world. Through our obedient work, His Word goes out and we are blessed as well! It is a double gift, that in giving we also receive.
Gracious God, we are grateful to be part of Your saving work. Help us when we are afraid and remind us we can never go where You are not already there. Amen.