Your Trial Has a Purpose!
"When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. Look, he said, I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God. At this they covered their ears and yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. Then he fell on his knees and cried out, Lord do not hold this sin against them. When he had said this, he fell asleep (Acts 7:54-60)."
There are several key points to takeaway from these verses. Stephen was being persecuted because he was preaching the word of God. He did not waiver even though his life was at stake. He remained obedient to God at whatever the cost. As he was being persecuted, God gave him a glimpse of heaven and he saw Jesus not just sitting, but standing at the right hand of God revealing His readiness to assist Stephen at his time of need.
Through this time of suffering, Stephen continued to praise God and as he was near death, he exemplified true forgiveness as He prayed for the Lord not to hold their sin against them, just as Jesus prayed for all of us on the cross-forgive them, for they know not what they do. All the while a young boy named Saul was watching and listening.....
This young boy Saul, was well known for persecuting and killing Christians. He knew the Scriptures and the law inside and out but at that time, He did not know Christ. It wasn't until later on the road to Damascus that Saul's eyes were opened by the Lord and he became a Christ follower. "As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me? Who are you Lord? Saul asked. 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting' He replied (Acts 9:3-5)." God made him His chosen instrument to carry His name before the Gentiles, their kings and the people of Israel (Acts 9:15).
In his horrific trial, Stephen continued to honor and give God glory. I am not sure if Stephen was aware that Saul was there during his stoning, however, this tragedy was one of the things used by God to draw Saul to Himself.
My friend, my point to you is this: you don't know who is watching your life as you go through times of testing. You may be the only "Jesus" someone around you sees. As you continue to persevere and praise God even in the most difficult of situations, He will get the glory and because of your faithfulness and steadfastness, you can give someone hope, a hope that is found only in Christ. The Lord is good and full of compassion. The very trial you are in has been allowed by God for your good and His glory. He is faithful and will not allow it to overtake you. "Fear not for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God (Isaiah 43:1-3)."
Stay the course and remain steadfast. Keep your eyes on Jesus-your living hope. Let Him have His way in and through you. One day you will be able to say thank you Lord!
There are several key points to takeaway from these verses. Stephen was being persecuted because he was preaching the word of God. He did not waiver even though his life was at stake. He remained obedient to God at whatever the cost. As he was being persecuted, God gave him a glimpse of heaven and he saw Jesus not just sitting, but standing at the right hand of God revealing His readiness to assist Stephen at his time of need.
Through this time of suffering, Stephen continued to praise God and as he was near death, he exemplified true forgiveness as He prayed for the Lord not to hold their sin against them, just as Jesus prayed for all of us on the cross-forgive them, for they know not what they do. All the while a young boy named Saul was watching and listening.....
This young boy Saul, was well known for persecuting and killing Christians. He knew the Scriptures and the law inside and out but at that time, He did not know Christ. It wasn't until later on the road to Damascus that Saul's eyes were opened by the Lord and he became a Christ follower. "As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me? Who are you Lord? Saul asked. 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting' He replied (Acts 9:3-5)." God made him His chosen instrument to carry His name before the Gentiles, their kings and the people of Israel (Acts 9:15).
In his horrific trial, Stephen continued to honor and give God glory. I am not sure if Stephen was aware that Saul was there during his stoning, however, this tragedy was one of the things used by God to draw Saul to Himself.
My friend, my point to you is this: you don't know who is watching your life as you go through times of testing. You may be the only "Jesus" someone around you sees. As you continue to persevere and praise God even in the most difficult of situations, He will get the glory and because of your faithfulness and steadfastness, you can give someone hope, a hope that is found only in Christ. The Lord is good and full of compassion. The very trial you are in has been allowed by God for your good and His glory. He is faithful and will not allow it to overtake you. "Fear not for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God (Isaiah 43:1-3)."
Stay the course and remain steadfast. Keep your eyes on Jesus-your living hope. Let Him have His way in and through you. One day you will be able to say thank you Lord!
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