Faith & Purpose Today
A Daily Devotional By Larry
How To Recognize the People God Has Given You
November 2nd, 2025.
“And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.” — Acts 16:14 (KJV)
In a world full of connections, acquaintances, and followers, how do you discern the people God has truly given to you? Acts 16:14 introduces us to Lydia, a woman whose heart was opened by the Lord to receive Paul’s message. She didn’t just hear him — she attended to his words. This is the first mark of someone God has assigned to your life: they respond to your voice, your message, and your presence with spiritual openness.
This principle extends far beyond ministry. Whether in friendships, family, mentorship, or marriage, God places people in our lives whose hearts are divinely prepared to receive us. They don’t just tolerate us — they honor what we carry. Lydia didn’t see Paul as someone to exploit or compete with. She saw him as a blessing. In Acts 16:15, she says, “If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there.” She considered it a privilege to host Paul — not the other way around.
This is the second sign: those God gives you will see your presence as a gift. They won’t drain you or demand from you without giving back. Instead, they’ll constrain you — not with obligation, but with love. Acts 16:15 shows Lydia urging Paul to accept her hospitality. She begged him to receive her gift. This is not manipulation — it’s divine generosity. When someone is truly assigned to your life, they’ll give freely, joyfully, and count it an honor that you accepted.
The third sign is loyalty. Acts 17:34 tells us that after Paul preached in Athens, “certain men clave unto him, and believed.” They didn’t just agree with his message — they cleaved to him. They stayed. They didn’t disappear when the excitement faded or when challenges arose. They remained connected, committed, and faithful.
In every relationship, this pattern holds true. The people God gives you will respond to your voice, honor your presence, give to you without strings, and stay with you through seasons. They won’t need to be chased or convinced. Their hearts will already be open.
So how do you know who God has given you? Look for those who lean in when you speak. Those who see your value and not just your usefulness. Those who give without keeping score. And those who stay — not because they have to, but because they’re called to.
Ask God to open your eyes to these divine connections. And just as Lydia did, be willing to receive them with grace.
Prayer
Father, thank You for the people You’ve assigned to my life. Help me recognize them, honor them, and steward those relationships well. Open my heart to receive those You’ve sent, and give me wisdom to discern divine connections from distractions. Amen.
Reflection Question
Who in your life consistently responds to your voice, honors your presence, gives freely, and stays through seasons? Could they be someone God has given to you?
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