The apostle Paul made a notable statement when He wrote to the church at Philippi, Macedonia in Philippians 1:29. He said, ‘For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake’.

There is much of interest here, but in particular my thoughts are drawn to the fact that Paul said that God has granted to some the ability to believe in Jesus. But why only some? Doesn’t God want everyone to believe in His Son? What does it mean that He grants some the ability to believe and not others?

Consider if you will, the very first convert there at Philippi.

Acts 16:11-15 tells how Paul, Silas, Timothy, Luke, and perhaps some others went just outside the city gate of Philippi on the Sabbath day to a place near a river where they thought people would gather to pray. Among the group they did find there was a woman named Lydia. As Paul spoke, Lydia listened and Luke records that the Lord opened her heart to respond to what she was hearing. She obeyed the gospel, and her entire household as well.

Why did God open Lydia’s heart to respond? What did you notice about her? Two things seem to be deliberately written for our observation. First, the text leads us to believe that she had in fact assembled to pray. This is significant since Jesus said:

But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. John 4:23

God is actively looking for those whose desire is to worship Him in spirit and truth. These are individuals who make seeking Him out a priority, and when we make God a priority, He returns the favor.

Secondly, when Paul spoke the word of the Lord, Lydia listened (Acts 16:14). What was it that Jesus also said? “He (or ‘she’ in this case) that has ears to hear, let them hear”, Matthew 11:15, 13:9 & 43. Jesus quoted Isaiah’s prophecy as it applied to many with whom He spoke, ‘For the heart of this people has become dull, with their ears they scarcely hear, and they have closed their eyes…’ Matthew 13:15.

Jesus made it clear that not everyone had an interest in the things of God; not many seek after Him even though this is exactly what He wants of us all (see Acts 17:26-27 for an interesting statement on that).

What made Lydia so special? Why was she singled out for the privilege of faith?
Simple. She cared about God enough to seek Him out, and listen with ‘ears to hear‘.

Are you privileged?