The Unexpected

When Paul and Silas arrived in Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city of that district of Macedonia, they stayed several days. On the Sabbath they went outside the city gate to the river, where they expected to find a place of prayer. They 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 16:12-14)

When entering a new town, Paul would usually stop at the local synogogue and share the gospel message. Upon arriving in Philippi he found no synogogue. According to the Jewish law there had to be 10 males who were heads of households and regularly attend services to establish a synagogue. Also there was a prohibitation against bringing any unrecognized religion into the city.

Do you think that might have made Paul wonder where the “man of Macedonia was?” Since a synagogue was typically built near a water source (to facilitate ritual washings), it makes sense that Paul would then go outside the city to the river to worship and pray.

At the river Paul and Silas found a group of women who had gathered to pray and they sat down and began to speak with them. One of those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city fo Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message.

The unexpected!

The vision had lead Paul to a woman’s prayer group and upon hearing and receiving the message of salvation, the gospel had now spread to the European continent.

Isn’t it amazing the way the God works. He knew who would be waiting to hear the gospel message when Paul arrived. He knew that Lydia was in a place, spiritually speaking, where her heart would be open to respond. He knew that neither of them expected what God had orchestrated.

Both were faithful to go where God was leading them. Both were open to the message of Christ. Both were profoundly changed by the unexpected.

Be Intentional about expecting the unexpected from Christ.

Praises & Prayers

Father, thank you for the many unexpected ways that You arrange moments in our lives. I pray that we will live so that our hearts can be opened to Your leading and message and that we will seek You wherever we are. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Messages from His Word

Ephesians 1:18 VOICE

Open the eyes of their hearts, and let the light of Your truth flood in. Shine Your light on the hope You are calling them to embrace. Reveal to them the glorious riches You are preparing as their inheritance.