Preparing Hearts

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. Acts 16:14

We can often wonder if we are making a difference in the lives of others and to what extent they are being impacted by what we say. I wondered this myself just recently as I assisted with devotions aimed at school leavers during Community Week. Holding their attention appeared to be a skill I didn’t have, but things are not always as they appear to be.

It didn’t always look as if the apostle Paul had the ear of the people in the various towns in which he preached, and yet, churches grew in those areas – Ephesus, Colossae, Philippi, Corinth – and the list goes on. How did it happen, you wonder? Quite simply, God was at work. In among the uninterested, the Lord was opening hearts to hear His voice.

Having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you… Ephesians 1:18

Our God never stops working. He is continually preparing hearts to receive His glorious truth. We are the seed sowers of that truth and we should take every opportunity that He sends our way. Whether we see it or not, when we sow truth, hope and love into the lives of others, we are making a difference.

The Lord prepares the ground before us, and the Holy Spirit causes our scattered seeds to grow.