SOLD OUT

Acts 7:59-60

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 7:59-60, NIV

In the middle of his death, Stephen exemplified the character and fortitude of one sold out and abandoned to Christ. The only explanation for such a display of God's love during this unbelievable time is that Stephen had learned how to allow his spirit man to rule and reign in his life.

The story of Stephen is one of many found within the pages of the Bible that challenge us to look deep within and ask ourselves questions we have avoided in the past. The Holy Spirit presses us into face-to-face encounters with the truth of our spiritual walk.

What would we do if faced with the same situation as Stephen? Would we compromise our stance in Christ, or would we courageously stand our ground and receive the resulting consequences with grace and forgiveness? Could we stand up under the intense persecution, or would we buckle underneath the pressure?

Take a few minutes and reflect on this powerful story of Stephen. He was the first Christian martyred for his faith and as a result, the seeds of love and forgiveness planted at his death took root and brought a harvest in Saul of Tarsus. God took a man who witnessed and approved of Stephen's stoning and transformed him into one of the most influential men on earth, the apostle Paul.

We may never fully understand the impact our words and reactions have on those around us. Even in the most trying of times, there are people observing our behavior. Will they see the light of Christ shining from our faces? During your prayer time today, allow the Holy Spirit to delve into those deep places of your heart that remain locked down in soulish comfort zones. Give Him permission to bring you into a new level of radical abandonment.

We all need to come to the place where we are willing to lay it all on the line for Him. You have the power to forgive just as you have been forgiven. Each of us has sinned many more times against God than others have against us. Since we have been forgiven so much, we should in turn forgive. Forgiving or not forgiving others is an act of our own will. It's our choice. But to forgive others is imitating Christ. Jesus did it, Stephen did it, and you can do it!!! Question is, will you?

Father, thank You for this day and a life that no one can steal from us. Lord, open the windows of heaven and pour abundant blessings upon us and our family today. Lord, we trust that You have hidden our life with You and that we will share in Your glory when You come back. Lord, give us courage in the face of life's most difficult challenges to believe and anticipate sharing in Your glory. Lord, thank You for forgiving us of so much, and we ask You now to help us forgive others. Lord, use us to be a light that leads others to You.

Father, we love You. Amen !