Acts 16:14-15 – One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul. And after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” And she prevailed upon us.
As the dad and father in our family, I would be considered the head of household. If something were to happen to me, as the mom, Grace would become the head of household. In Acts 16, Paul, Timothy, Silas, and Luke come to a city called Philippi where they meet a woman named Lydia. It seems likely, because there’s no mention of a husband, that she’s the head of her household and a single mom.
Though the Bible says she was a worshipper of God, it appears she didn’t yet have a relationship with God as, by Paul’s words, “the Lord opened her heart to pay attention” (vs. 14) and she was baptized (vs.15). Alongside her, her household was also saved and baptized.
The incredible thing is that Timothy, who was likely also raised by a single mom and had Paul become like a spiritual dad to him, was part of this group who was instrumental in being used by God for Lydia’s salvation. The son of a single mom was used by God to change the entire life and legacy of another single mom.
When I was born in 1970, a statistic reports that 40% of U.S. homes had a married mother and father with kids. Today, that number has dropped to just 18%. There are more fatherless (and motherless) kids today than ever. The Holy Spirit appeared in this single parent household, and He does the same thing today.
Even if you didn’t have the family, you would have wanted, church family can come in and make up the difference, just like Paul did in Timothy’s life. If you’re in need of spiritual, church family, find a good Bible-teaching church and life group in your area and, if you’re close to Arizona, I’d invite you to join us for Real Men and Real Women (starting back Jan. 12) where there are hundreds of men and women who gather together each week for healthy relationships through learning more about God together.
Are there any single parents in your life you can help support and show the love of Jesus to as this year comes to a close?
To get daily devos sent texted to you Monday-Friday, text DEVOTIONS to 99383. Click here to find the sermon series that accompanies this devotional series.