Your heart had been opened. That is how it is in this solemn and humbling experience. It is initiated by Christ. It is accomplished by the grace of Christ, and that grace works sovereignly, and selectively. That grace falls with all its particularity on favoured men and women as he determines. This is his grand prerogative, and in that honour none shall share...
What an encouragement Lydia is to us all to go on praying for those whose hearts have long been closed. We sometimes have the misfortune to hear certain preachers inform us that God lacks the ability to open the heart. "God can do no more. It is all up to you," they tell proud sinners who are glad to hear that they are mightier than God, and that they can keep the Lord wringing his hands in heaven wondering whether men will condescend to accept him or not. Who would want to worship and follow such a god? If that were really the way it is then prayer itself for loved ones' salvation would be futile. Such a theology says so mournfully that God has no power to open our loved ones' hearts. Man almighty: God impotent. But that is not how it is! The Lord opened Lydia's heart and he can open the hearts of the most obdurate sinners. Pray on!
Also opened as in broken by God. I am reading Bunyan's An Acceptable Sacrifice based on Psalm 51 God loved David's contrite heart.
The story working with coal miners brought the Coalheaver to mind.
Thanks for the post; it was a thought provoking good read - God has not yet shown me he has done all he can for those I am praying for.