“I don’t want to die with a book still inside of me.”
A fellow podcast host shared this quote from an author she interviewed. We were seated beside each other on a flight from Athens, Greece, to Frankfurt, Germany. Our nine-day trip walking in the footsteps of Paul had ended, but the impact of the trip was just beginning to stir in my soul.
Each of our stops in Greece had an impact, but one I can’t shake is Lydia’s stream.
Lydia is mentioned in Acts 16:13-16, 40, when Paul is in Philippi and goes to a river where people were gathering to pray.
Lydia was a dealer in purple cloth; she was a businesswoman who had confidence in God, not herself. She provided for her family and her household. She was knowledgeable of who God was and receptive to the message of the Gospel. God opened her heart, and she was the first convert in Europe. Lydia was generous and hospitable, and a trailblazer for women.
After my unexpected summer of health issues that included surgery, I’ve been reflecting on where I stand in life and what God wants to do with the days I have remaining. I believe I have many days ahead, but this health scare made me pause and consider these questions.
Since my conversation with my friend Carol on the flight to Frankfurt, I’ve been thinking about the author’s quote: “I don’t want to die with a book still inside of me.”
What is there inside of me that I don’t want to die, leaving it there?
I want to challenge you to ask these questions:
What is God calling me to?
What is a desire of my heart that I want to release?
What is the impact I believe God is asking me to have that I have been withholding obedience?
May we all seek to be a modern-day Lydia.
- Deeply connected to God.
- Faith-filled.
- Generous and Hospitable.
- Use our skills and resources to support ministries.
- A confident leader.
- A trailblazer for women.
How can we accomplish that?
Be vulnerable. Allow God and others close.
Be ready for what’s next. Change is scary, but with God’s help, it’s so exciting.
Use your God-given gifts. We each have special gifts God has given us. Tap into yours.
What is inside of you that you don’t want to leave there?
I know you are going to write another book, every book has been great, and they just getting better and better! You are a fantastic writer!! I’m proud of you, proud of the woman are!!!
Thank you my friend!!!
This post is so so good. I am reflecting on these questions in my quiet time this morning . The Lord keeps bringing me back to Lydia so I also want to study more about her . I don’t want to miss any of my purpose !
I love the way you live Billie :)
Thank you! Love that you are taking time to reflect. Lydia is inspiring for sure.