Stephen, one of the seven leaders the apostles had chosen, was full of God's grace and power and performed great wonders and miracles among the people. The other translation of the word "grace" is "faith." So we can say that Stephen was full of God's faith. He was completely trusting God's promises with his life. His full confidence was in God. As he was walking in faith in God, God's power was working in and through him, and he was performing great miracles like healing people who were sick or casting out demons from those possessed by demons. The religious Jews began to argue with him, but they could not cope with the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking. As a result, they falsely accused him of saying ungodly words against Moses and God. Some accused him of saying that Jesus was going to destroy the place of their worship, which was the temple, and change their religious customs. Jesus never said that He was going to destroy the temple. Jesus was referring to His own body that was sacrificed on the cross. (Acts 6:8-15).
When we stand for our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, we may face opposition from ungodly people. In our society today, our very faith in God is being challenged, especially the truth of the Word of God. Stephen continued to stand in his faith in God despite all the lies that the religious Jews falsely accused him of. We can also stand for what is right before God today, and with the power of God working in us, we can overcome any oppositions we face. They can put fear in us, but we can overcome fear with our faith in God. In this midterm election, let us vote for those candidates that hold the godly principles that are according to the Word of God, such as in the area of abortion, gender, security, and equality.
Let us stand up for our faith in God by participating in voting. Each of our votes matters, and God can use it to make a difference. Let us get to know the candidates and choose the ones that align or closely align with the principles of the Word of God. We need to pray that God will guide us and give us the wisdom to vote. Let us be Stephen, who stood and served God despite the opposition.
Ask yourself these questions for application: (Think through carefully and meditate on the questions while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you) What does it mean to stand in my faith in God? Am I willing to stand in my faith in God? What are the ways to stand in my faith in God?
Write down all the worries you face today and lift them up to God.
Prayer:
Father in Heaven, I confess that there are times that I am intimidated to show my faith in you, especially in public or with my friends who do not believe in you. Would you please give me the power to stand in my faith and not be intimidated? Please guide me and give me the wisdom to vote in this midterm election to show my support to those who hold the principles that your Word teaches. Please bless my day today. In Your name Jesus, I pray. Amen.