Moving.
I have moved 17 times in my adult life. Seems like a lot of cardboard and paper wasted, but the shuffle was always worth it in the end. Bigger home, more children, change in job locations and responsibilities, and you must adapt. The way to do so is to go with the flow and never look back.
Lydia was a classy lady, selling fine cloth to finer people. She was a believer of God who had opened her heart to receive the gift of the Gospel presented by Paul. Her fruit was immediate through servitude and hospitality. Her adaptation to the truth led her entire household to baptize in the faith.
Lydia left such a great impact on Paul and Silas, that after a whirlwind trip to jail, they fell back on her hospitality and knew the encouragement that was present in her home.
Acts 16:40 NIV After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia’s house, where they met with the brothers and sisters and encouraged them.
In my 17 years of moving across town, across the country and across the sea, adaptation always took some time.
Muscle memory had me reaching for things that just weren’t there. Words for simple every day items sometimes were slightly different and I would get side way stares. Accents amused and taste buds were tickled. Slow was body, but my mind learned to quickly catch up to the those around me.
Looking at Lydia’s story, I am encouraged by her immediate fruit and would like to think that I could be an example of immediate obedience to the Lord’s plans. When He calls, I want to answer after the first ring. Where He points, I would like to be one foot already out the door.
Trusting him to lead my life and to provide me with all of the tools to accomplish His will is what I strive for. If I am called out of my comfort zone, so be it. I will choose to move forward in hope and love for the Lord. I trust His plans which are so much greater than any moves around the world or change in cultural scene.
Fruit follows every time we allow the Lord to plant us where He leads us. Click To Tweet
Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Fruit follows every time we allow the Lord to plant us where He leads us. Service, love, opportunity, hospitality, and discipleship naturally flow when we open up to truth no matter where we may roam.
I love this Maryann! My friend Lisa has the gift of hospitality. And she just told me a few weeks ago that her fave character in the Bible is Lydia! Love this! ❤
Thanks, Donna. Lydia is an encouragement to me as well. Hoping to work on being more hospitable.
Beautifully written and abundant with inspiration, dear Maryann.
Blessings ~ Wendy
Thank you for your encouraging words.
A couple of things, neighbor at FMF. Love Lydia. Love how relevant The Word is for TODAY. When we are obedient, fruit happens. Has to. xo
I DO LOVE how relevant the Word is always. So encouraging.
I’ve moved a lot, too. Adapting to new culture and making new friends has been a challange at times. I have always loved the example of Lydia, that she adapted to a new life and invited her new brothers to her home. I long to be hospitable during times of transition. Sometimes that’s a challenge. Thanks, this got me thinking!
Thank you. I was listening tot the story of Lydia at church last week and it really encouraged me to be open to immediate change when the Lord says to move. Hospitality is something that I would really like to focus on as well. Thanks for stopping by my blog.
Oh I admire you Maryann! I love your lines about answering on the first ring and having your foot out the door. While I would love to say I feel the same way, I’m afraid I’m more of a let’s wait and see, are you sure, I’d rather not kinda gal. I don’t WANT to be that gal and I’m working on it. Your post is an inspiration! Thank you for sharing, Cindy #fmf
Thank you for your encouraging words. It took me a long time to get to this point and I hope to encourage others along the way.
Getting called out of our comfort zone – that one is like praying for patience. You want to do it well, but…
But, for sure, there will be fruit to follow if we will obey and go where He sends! Thanks for the reminder. And, yes, that is a lot of boxes, paper and moving:)
I agree, it is like praying for patience. But I am ready for what the Lord has in store.
Oh my, you have much experience in adapting to new places! I enjoyed the details you shared about Lydia–that she welcomed Paul & Silas when they were released from jail. Always new insights from the Word. Thank-you!
I love how Scripture always seems to apply to life 🙂