It's here: Part 9 of the 9 part series - how to get prayers answered
The Acts of The Apostles - D19
DAILY DEVOTIONAL
8/19/20262 min read
The Lord Opened Her Heart
"Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us... The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul." — Acts 16:14 (NKJV)
There isn't a synagogue in Philippi, so you follow the familiar sound of prayer to the banks of a quiet river. A small group has gathered there on the Sabbath, and among them is Lydia, a successful businesswoman, a worshiper of God, and someone genuinely seeking Him. As Paul begins to speak about Jesus, she listens with careful attention.
Then something happens that no one standing by the river can see. The Lord opens her heart.
Luke could have said that Lydia was convinced by Paul's words or moved by his message. Instead, he points beyond the preacher to the Savior. The greatest miracle that day was not the eloquence of the sermon but the quiet work of Christ within a human heart. Jesus did what no argument, no persuasion, and no amount of religious devotion could ever accomplish. He opened a heart to receive the truth of the gospel.
That truth should humble and encourage every believer. It reminds me that salvation has always been God's work before it is ours. We cannot reason someone into the kingdom of God, nor can we change our own hearts through determination or effort. We may plant the seed and faithfully share the gospel, but only Christ can awaken a soul to believe. The same Lord who opened Lydia's heart is still opening hearts today.
Perhaps you have been praying for someone who seems unmoved by the gospel. Don't lose heart. Jesus specializes in opening what we cannot. Or perhaps you have sensed Him gently speaking to your own heart, inviting you to trust Him more fully. Don't ignore His voice. Every invitation from Christ is an expression of His grace, drawing us closer to Himself.
Long before Lydia opened her home to the apostles, Christ had already opened her heart to Himself. That is where every transformed life begins. Not with what we do for Jesus, but with what Jesus does within us.
Ask the Lord to keep your heart tender toward His voice today. Pray also for someone who does not yet know Christ, trusting that the One who opened Lydia's heart is still able to open hearts to the truth of the gospel.
Scripture Promise:
"No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day." — John 6:44 (NKJV)
Prayer:
Father, thank you for being the one who can open our hearts towards you. Because what you open, no man can close. Help us to share the gospel so that other hearts can be opened by you also. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
Stay in Rhythm. Stay in Grace.
Join us for daily encouragement and growth.
Email US
© 2025. All rights reserved.