Day 16: When Your Gifts Make Room
Scripture: Acts 16:14-15
“A certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, one who worshiped God, heard us; the Lord opened her heart to heed the things which were spoken by Paul. When she and her household were baptized, she begged us, saying, ‘If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and stay.’ So she persuaded us.”
Lydia was a successful businesswoman dealing in luxury fabrics—a respected position in her community. But her true influence wasn’t found in her business—it was in her open heart and open home.
When she heard the gospel, she didn’t just believe privately— she immediately used what she had to serve the Kingdom. Her joy and new-found purpose led her to use her position and resources to support Paul and the fledgling church. Her home became a meeting place for the church in Philippi.
Her hospitality advanced the gospel in ways she may never have imagined.
She didn’t look for a distant place or a future time for a place to serve—she acted with what she had.
Purpose often flows through what God has already placed in your hands—your skills, your resources, your home, your relationships. You don’t have to be in “full-time ministry” for your life to make an eternal impact. When your heart is open, God will use your gifts to open doors for others.
Centering Prayer
Lord,
Thank You for the gifts and resources You’ve entrusted to me.
Help me see them not as mine to keep, but as Yours to use.
Let my life and my home be open for Your purposes. Amen.
Practice for Today
Identify one gift, skill, or resource you already have that could bless someone today.
Offer it intentionally in service to God and others.
Journaling Prompt
What gifts or resources has God given me that I’ve overlooked as tools for His purpose?
How might I begin using them with intention?
Closing Blessing
Work with what you have been given.
Freely give what you have freely received.
Hold nothing back.
Offer your gifts with gladness to the One who gave them.
Let your open heart and open hands create space for God’s Kingdom to grow.
Pray as You Go
Inhale: What I have is Yours…
Exhale: …and I use it for Your kingdom.