“Lydia of Thyatira!”

“14 One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. THE LORD OPENED HER HEART to pay attention to what was said by Paul.

15 And after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, "If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay." And she prevailed upon us. - Acts 16:14-15

“Lydia of Thyatira” had been studying the OLD TESTAMENT so much so that she was considered a literary scholar, but her Spiritual eyes were only opened when THE LORD OPENED HER HEART to the TRUTH!    That was when GOD “called” her out of the darkness into HIS marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9).   

Wikipedia has this to say about the woman known as “Lydia of Thyatira”:

Paul, Silas, and Timothy were traveling through the region of Philippi when they encounter “a reputable businesswoman and possibly a widow… [who] was a righteous Gentile or ‘God-fearer’ attracted to Judaism”.[4] “[S]he was one of a large group [considered]…sympathizers with Judaism, believers in the one God, but who had not yet become ‘proselytes’ or taken the final step to conversion to Judaism”.[5]

Because these encounters and events take place “in what is now Europe,” Lydia is considered “the first ‘European’ Christian convert”.[6]

It is widely suspected by most that “Lydia of Thyatira” had been walking a “good life”, but that wasn’t enough to save her soul!  Only GOD ALMIGHTY can perform that miracle!  Unless and until GOD “calls you out” (1 Peter 2:9) of the ways of the deceiver, you CANNOT walk in the LIGHT!   1 Peter 2:11 says “Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to ABSTAIN FROM THE PASSIONS of the flesh, WHICH WAGE WAR AGAINST YOUR SOUL!”  

Ephesians 6:12 says “For we do not wrestle (battle) against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places”.  The enemy is trying to deceive us in any way he can because wants to carry as many with him as possible.  It is said that “misery loves company”, and Hell is the ultimate misery!!!

“Lydia of Thyatira” had her eyes opened to GOD’s call on her life!  I’ve had my eyes opened to the call that GOD has on my life!  Have you had your eyes opened by ALMIGHTY GOD to HIS call and purpose for your life?  Just like “Lydia of Thyatira”, you can’t work your way or intellect your way into Heaven!  GOD has to call you!!!