What does surrender actually look like when life falls apart? In this episode of More Than a Song, we let Katy Nichole’s “Have Your Way”—a ballad of surrender—lead us into Acts 16, where two very different people pray a “Have Your Way” prayer of surrender, and it impacts their entire household.
From a wealthy businesswoman gathered with other women by a riverside to a jailer on the edge of despair, we watch God move first, and hearts respond. Along the way, we’ll read in context, step into first-century Philippi, and learn to turn our observations into prayer for the people we love.
Key Points
- Our song is a prayer of surrender—and in Acts 16, two very different surrenders bookend a traumatic stretch for Paul and Silas.
- Reading in context (Acts 15–17) keeps us true to Luke’s timeline—including the sharp disagreement between Paul and Barnabas.
- God’s action leads; our response follows: “The Lord opened [Lydia’s] heart”—Luke stresses God’s sovereignty in salvation.
- Lydia, the God-fearing businesswoman, and the Philippian jailer started from opposite places, yet the same gospel saved them both—along with their households.
- Worship isn’t reserved for the good days: Paul and Silas prayed and sang hymns with untended wounds—and others were listening.
- Historical and geographical context (Philippi as a Roman colony, the riverside place of prayer) brings the narrative into focus.
- Our observations can become prayer—turning what we see in Scripture into intercession for the people we love.
Scriptures Referenced
- Acts 15–17 (read in context)
- Acts 15:22
- Acts 15:39–41
- Acts 16:8, 10
- Acts 16:11–12
- Acts 16:13
- Acts 16:14–15
- Acts 16:20–21
- Acts 16:25–26
- Acts 16:37
BITEs (Bible Interaction Tool Exercises)
Try these BITEs as you explore Scripture for yourself this week:
- Read in Context – Read Acts 15–17 in one sitting so you don’t miss Luke’s (the chapter before, the chapter, and the chapter after your focus text).
- Historical Context – Use a good commentary to understand first-century Philippi—a Roman colony with too few Jewish men for a synagogue.
- Consult a Map – Locate Philippi and its port of Neapolis on Google Earth (look for modern-day Kavala, Greece) to get your bearings.
- Ask Questions – What does it mean that Lydia was a “worshiper of God”? Write your questions down as part of your interaction with the text.
- Make Observations – Read the account for yourself and write down what you notice. Then read it again—your observations will deepen.
- Pray Scripture – Look back over your observations and turn them into prayer over a loved one (or over yourself).
Throughout it all, the Lord has His way in the lives of those surrendered to Him.
Enjoy the official music video below.
More Than a Song Playlist
Additional Resources
- Download the free Episode Guide – michellenezat.com/543download
- The Story Behind the Song “Have Your Way” – New Release Today Article
- To Live Is Christ, To Die Is Gain by Matt Chandler – Paid Amazon Link
- Bible Interaction Roadmap Bible Study – videos and assignments that will equip you with habits you can use over and over in your own Bible Study – Learn More
- Learn more about my favorite Bible Study Software with a 30-day free trial and links to my favorite Bible resources – Logos Bible Software Affiliate Link
This Week’s Challenge
Read Acts 16 for yourself in context (Acts 15–17). Seek out a good commentary for the historical background, and pull up the region on Google Earth to get your bearings. As you read, make observations and write them down—start by noticing what God does, then how people respond. Finally, take the BITE of praying Scripture: look back over your observations and turn them into prayer over a loved one or over yourself. And be sure to use the Episode Guide to help with all of this!
📥 Download the free Episode Guide:
👉 michellenezat.com/543download
