Is God enough for me?
Stephen was chosen by his peers to be a leader in the early church. Stephen was a man full of God's grace and power.
GRACE - the free and unmerited favor of God, goodwill and loving kindness.
POWER - strength that resides in someone until it is time to be released.
Stephen had everything going for him. He was right with God through Jesus. he was right with the people through his character. God was using him to perform miracles. When things were good for Stephen, God was enough for Stephen.
But things were about to change for Stephen. Interesting is that it was not Stephen's relationship with God that changed, or his religion among the believers, or his character. It was his circumstances that changed. When things were bad for Stephen, God was enough for Stephen. (6:11-14)
Sadly in my life I struggle to not let my circumstances determine my character, reputation, and faith. Stephen shows me that when things are good and when things are bad ... God is enough.
Stephen's story does not have the typical Hollywood happy ending. (Acts 7)
- He is taken to before the religious council.
- He speaks a powerful message about Jesus Christ.
- The leaders are ticked off.
- The leaders pick up large stones and to kill Stephen.
- Stephen prays for the leaders and then he dies.
There is no happy ending. No one responds to the message. No one gets saved. The hero dies.
Lesson to learn: Our obedience to God should not be based on our circumstances. God never said it would be easy, but He did say that He would be there with us. Sometimes we live, sometimes we die. So the question I ask myself is this ... "Is God enough for me?"
Created 10 months ago
