Spirit-Living Devotional
Apostle Osborn
WHEN GOD OPENS THE HEART
[[Act 16:14]] SLT And a certain woman, by name Lydia, a dealer in purple garments, of the city of Thyatira, worshipping God, heard: whose heart the Lord opened to attend to things spoken by Paul.
Paul on his missionary journey was forbidden by the Holy Spirit on several occasions not to go to certain places as they tried to go there to preach the gospel. While seeking the LORD about where to go, he saw a man in a vision pleading for them to come over to Macedonia and help.
By this vision, Paul was fully persuaded that the LORD was leading them to go over to Macedonia. Upon arrival there, while Paul began to preach, the Bible says, there was “a certain woman, by name Lydia.. whose heart the Lord opened to attend to things spoken by Paul.’
God opened the heart of Lydia to listen to Paul and become a supporter of his ministry. God can open people’s heart. Ministry will not thrive if God does not open certain people’s hearts to support and partner with you. There are special helpers who God touches in the heart to push His work in certain ministries.
When you feel the desire to support a ministry, especially with your money, know that God has opened your heart. Do all in your power to support it. Give massively. Give even beyond your means. The reason is that God intends to make you bigger because He wants to channel wealth through you for His work. However, if you don’t obey, God can’t do with you what He desires to do. Know it when God opens your heart.
Prayer:
Thank you, LORD, for opening my heart to support and partner with your work. I yield to your leading and obey. And I thank you for the privilege to use me to finance your work in Jesus’ name.
