Acts 16:11-15 Our Scripture describes Paul's visit to Philippi on his second of three missionary journeys. Paul's plan had been to move north into the province of Asia, but the Holy Spirit would not allow it. Paul had a vision of a "man of Macedonia" who begged them to come over and help them. They immediately made their way to Macedonia. They stopped and stayed in Philippi several days, but then on the Sabbath they went outside of town by the river side in order to find a place of prayer. When they arrived at the river they found a group of women who had already gathered there for prayer. We are told that one of the women there, Lydia, was a business woman who was a dealer in purple cloth and also was a worshiper of God. Paul and his companions seize the opportunity to tell them about Jesus. Notice Paul took advantage of the opportunity to talk about Jesus and the Lord in turn opened her heart to respond to the message. God expects us to take advantage of opportunities to share the Gospel leaving it to Him to apply it to the hearts of the hearers. Not everyone who heard Paul responded positively. Some responded violently. Not everyone that we share with is going to receive our testimony, that's in God's hands. But remember, people cannot respond to what they don't hear.

Seizing Opportunities