Revival Starts with Me

“Lydia listened and the Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what Paul was saying.” Acts 16:14

Lydia was most likely a rich woman. Thyatira, in what is now western Turkey, was famous for a particularly rich purple dye. Lydia was a merchant of purple cloth, which was probably dyed in her own place of business. She had a house big enough to invite guests like Paul and Luke to stay after she and her household were baptized. 

How did Lydia become a Christian? She listened to what Paul was saying. So simple. We should not close our mind and heart to what Godly men say. After that, God will do the rest. “The Lord opened her heart.” She allowed Paul’s words to penetrate her mind, and the Holy Spirit moved her to believe. 

These days we do not need to wait for a big Christian rally, or a famous evangelist to visit from abroad, or a spirit filled healer. Youtube is full of amazing preaching. From the powerful stories of Ravi Zacharias, to the Catholic apologetics of Dr. Brandt Pitre, from the conversion stories of Steve Ray and Scott Hahn to the oh so interesting teachings of Christine Caine and Priscilla Shirer. I listen to them all. I am praying for revival in our country, but revival has to start with me.