By: Shana Wise
"From there we traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city of that district of Macedonia. And we stayed there several days.
On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. “If you consider me a believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us.
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. Then they left." (Acts 16:12-15)
Lydia is a great example of how a godly businesswoman should strive to be. She did
not let her business and wealth overshadow her relationship with God. Accepting Jesus
Christ as her Lord and Savior gave her a new perspective and focus on her daily
activities. As a result, her life as a businesswoman blossomed into evangelism. She accepted
Christ, and so did her whole family.
Lydia went on to help to establish the first church of Philippi, and she aided the ministry of Paul and Silas. God used Lydia and her business for something bigger than her -- the Kingdom. She chose to honor and serve God, and her works lasted long after her. Ultimately, she left a legacy.
Questions
1. What legacy are you working towards through the business/ministry God has given
you?
2. Your business is a tool given to you to grow the Kingdom of God. We must grow from
seeing “a customer” to seeing “an opportunity” to witness for Christ. How comfortable
are you with ministering and witnessing to others? Any hindrances?
3. As believers in the body of Christ, we should never go into business to make money,
rather, we should approach business as an opportunity to use the resources that God
blesses us with to expand our territory and influence for the Kingdom’s sake. What are
your business goals for this year, and how do they connect with your Kingdom purpose?
4. Many of us use the social network to meet others and grow our business. I always
pray to the Lord about where I should go and who I should connect with-I call them
Kingdom connections. These types of relationships mirror the principles of giving and
receiving, sowing, and reaping. Reflect on the Kingdom connections you have made so
far. What is your and/or their purpose in your life other than business?
5. Lydia was a seller of purple and purple cloth symbolizes royalty. Lydia probably sold
to people in high places which is an area of influence. How are you using the influence
that God gave you?
Prayer
Father God, thank you for trusting me with the business and/or ministry that you have
for me to oversee. Help me to see opportunities to witness to everyone I encounter
within the marketplace. Give me wisdom and insight through your Holy Spirit to be your
witness in the world system marketplace. Like Lydia, let me be the woman to influence
my home, community, and marketplace for your glory. In Jesus' name, Amen.
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About the Author:
Dr. Shana Wise is an ordained Pastor and CEO of Wise Choice Ministries (est. 2016). She is the founder of The Well Christian Women’s Network formally known as Christian Women Preachers United. Dr. Wise is the author of women’s devotional, Acts of Intercession, The Impact of Your Election, and co-author of Basic Ministry Training Manual (available on Amazon) and Chief Women Arise. She received a Doctor of Divinity degree in 2019 from St. Thomas Christian University. Her passion is to teach and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, equip others to apply the Word to their lives, and demonstrate the Word through the power of the Holy Spirit. She is a televangelist that appears on social media outlets. Shana is married to Deacon Ron Wise and is the mother of four children.