I read Acts 6:8-7:60 today. It is Luke's account of Stephen being arrested and killed. It is one of those stories that gets you thinking about one of the biggest misconceptions people have about God- following God will keep me safe and make my life free from trouble.
Very few people say those words out loud, but most people hold firmly to that view beneath the surface. I encounter it quite frequently when people come to talk to me about situations they are facing. They are confused because their situations are not lining up with their expectations, so they ask where is God? Or why is He doing this to me? The exact questions vary, but the confusion behind them is the same- I'm trying to do what God expects of me, but He is not doing what I expect of Him.
Stephen's story of arrest helps me to see more clearly that trusting in Christ doesn't free our lives from trouble. Remember Stephen was one of the Seven who solved the food distribution issue. The Bible tells us that Stephen was not just a church attender, but a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit. Remember full/filled means to be controlled, empowered, and directed...so Stephen is a man that is controlled, empowered, directed by faith and the Holy Spirit. I think that might be one of the greatest descriptions anyone could ever have in life.
Stephen was listening and obeying what God wanted for him- not responding simply to his fears, desires, situations, or the opinions of people. He was open and responsive to God above all else and he was serving God- taking care of widows, performing miracles, and proclaiming God's Word with wisdom and power.
And still Stephen was hated, lied about, falsely imprisoned, and, eventually stoned. Stephen became the first martyr of the church. What is interesting is that in the midst of all this, Stephen is not asking where God is or why is God allowing this. No, in fact He sees God in the midst of this and his thoughts are about God's message being proclaimed, the forgiveness of his killers, and his entrance to Heaven. He's not accusing God of abandoning him or complaining about Him not being fair.
I think Stephen realized life was not about God making him comfortable, but about him being a part of God's purpose in reconciling the world back to Himself. I believe Stephen had a radically different outlook on life and faith than most people do today...and I for one want to see things the same way as Stephen.
Jesus, thank you for not abandoning us in the difficulties in life. I pray that I will be able to see You like Stephen did in the midst of frustrations, fears, disappointments, temptations, trials, and uncertainty. Please fill me with faith and your Holy Spirit.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Thanks for making time for this. It seems like a big difference between believers and non-believers is that, as believers, we can know that God is there, that He does love us deeply regardless of the difficulty, and that He will deliver us. I do not have any idea how you face life without that. I just wish I had the boldness to tell others...
ReplyDelete