Lydia's conversion is full of interest. It happened through God's providence. She was a seller of purple from Thyatira but was in Philippi just in time to hear Paul. God's guiding hand brought her to the right place.

Grace was already preparing her heart. Though she didn't know Jesus, as a Jewess, she was familiar with truths that led her to Him. Her conversion happened as she engaged in spiritual practices. On the Sabbath, during prayer, her prayer was answered.

Never neglect these spiritual practices. God can bless us anywhere, but we have more reason to hope when we gather with fellow believers. Notice the words, "Whose heart the Lord opened." Lydia didn't open her own heart, nor did her prayers, nor Paul. The Lord alone opens the heart to receive the truth.

Only He can open our hearts, as He knows them completely. The first sign of Lydia's open heart was obedience. Once she believed in Jesus, she was baptized. This shows a humble heart willing to obey, not out of fear, but out of love for her Savior. Her love continued through acts of kindness to the apostles. Love for other believers is a mark of true conversion. If we do nothing for Christ or His church, we give little evidence of an "open" heart.