Acts 7:55 NLT
But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily into heaven and saw the glory of God, and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand.
Several areas in the Bible bring me to tears every time I read it.
This chapter is one of those chapters.
Stephen was a man of great faith in the early church. This is a description of Stephen:
Acts 6:8 NLT
Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed amazing miracles and signs among the people.
He was chosen to be one of the early church men to help distribute the food to people in need.
As I think what happens with people that start to live their faith, people who stand in opposition will begin to single them out and start debating them on what they are doing.
This is what happened with Stephen.
Stephen didn’t waste the opportunity and started to witness the truth of the Word of God, running down the history of the Jewish people from Abraham to the prophets of God and how the prophets were persecuted by the people that they were there to save, eventually to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
But Stephen’s focus was not on the dire circumstance that He found himself in; it was on Jesus. And this is where our focus should be as well.
He was about to be killed. He was about to stoned to death.
This is a faith that we, as Christians, are called to have.
Our faith in Jesus Christ should outweigh what we face in this world.
Acts 7:59-60 NLT
As they stoned him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” He fell to his knees, shouting, “Lord, don’t charge them with this sin!” And with that, he died.
To the end, Stephen maintained a heart of forgiveness for those who were stoning him.
Could I maintain that level of faith?
Could I forgive the people who were persecuting me?
Luke 23:34 NLT
Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice.
The only way that we can exercise this type of faith is with the Spirit of God dwelling in us.
Psalm 86:5 NLT
O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help.
We can do this by study and application of God’s Word with a submitted heart to Jesus Christ.
Joshua 1:8-9 NLT
Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
Living like this takes a steadfast spirit of reading, study, focus, and application. And with a humble Spirit submitted to God.
Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of people that lived their lives faithful to Your Word and submitted to Your Spirit.
I pray that You provide me the Spirit necessary to live a submitted life that glorifies You.
I thank You for the opportunity to serve those around me, and I pray that You use me to spread the Gospel in a way that helps You.
In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray, Amen!! 🙏❤️
