Paul boarded a boat at Troas, a western port in Turkey. Troas is known for the city of Troy and the Trojans. Homer wrote a story about the city of Troy and the trojan horse, and it became a famous movie. From Troas, he set sail to go to Macedonia. They landed at Neapolis, which is now modern Greece. From there, they traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony. Most people who lived here were Roman citizens, but remnants of Jews migrated here. During the Sabbath, Paul and his companions, including Luke, who wrote the book of Acts, looked for a place where Jews gathered to pray. More than likely, there was no synagogue in this area, so people gathered in a place where they could pray together to celebrate Sabbath. It was in this place that Paul met Lydia, a businesswoman selling expensive purple cloth who worshiped God. Lydia believed in the message Paul shared as the Lord opened her heart. She and her household became believers and were baptized. Paul and his companions stayed at Lydia's house while they were in Philippi. (Acts 16:11-15). (Second Missionary Journey Map).
Lydia's house became a meeting house for the believers in Philippi and eventually became a church. Paul wrote the book of Philippians to encourage them later on. It is amazing how the Lord started the church in Philippi. It all began when Lydia surrendered her life to the Lord. Lydia was successful in business, but being successful in life does not mean she had everything to be content. Lydia found the fulfillment of life when she believed and followed the Lord. She opened her house for fellowship, and the church in Philippi started. Lydia became God's channel of blessings. God blessed her so that she could be a blessing to others.
Just like Lydia, we need to surrender everything to God and let Him use us to be the channel of His blessings. We find fulfillment in life when we live for God and not for ourselves. There is always freedom in our hearts and minds when we trust and follow God's leading. Let us let go of trying to control our lives and just surrender our lives to God. Peace comes into our hearts when we completely surrender our lives to Him.
Ask yourself these questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully and meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speaks to you). Have I completely surrendered my life to God? Am I willing to let go of trying to control my life and let God have His ways in my life? How can I find peace and contentment in life?
Prayer:
Father in Heaven, would you please help me to let go of the control and let you lead me? You are the only one who can satisfy my life. Please continue to teach me to live for you. May you guide me today as I live for you. In your name Jesus, I pray. Amen.