This week, we are continuing our reading from the book of Acts. In chapter 7, we hear about one of Jesus’ apostles, Stephen. Stephen boldly preached to people about Jesus and the works of God. Some of the Jewish people did not like this because they did not want people to become followers of Jesus. They falsely accused Stephen of speaking against God. Stephen did not let this stop him. In fact, he then gave the longest speech in the book of Acts! Stephen had faith in God and the Holy Spirit, and he spoke out against those who were turning away from Jesus. He even asked God to forgive those who were hurting him. Jesus has said many times that Christians will face hard times. Matthew 7:14 says that the path that leads to life is difficult. Becoming a Christian does not mean life automatically becomes easy, but it does mean that we have the Holy Spirit to help us and guide us through hard times. Just like Stephen asked God to forgive those who were hurting him, Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, can help us do things that may seem impossible. God is always with us, in the easy times, and the hard times too.
Are you facing something difficult that may seem impossible to overcome? Maybe you are having a hard time loving people who are unkind to you, or maybe you are nervous to tell a friend about Jesus. If so, remember that God is with you in difficult times, and ask Him to give you the strength and courage to face what seems impossible.
Prayer: God, thank You for always being with me! With You, all things are possible! God, give me the boldness to stand up for Jesus in all situations. Amen.