A Man Full of Faith and the Spirit

As you work through the book of Acts you find the story of a man named Stephen.  Not much is said by way of introduction of Stephen.  In fact, the story goes like this.  The church needed men full of the Spirit and wisdom who were of good reputation.  One of them was Stephen.  Stephen was full of faith and the Holy Spirit.  Then it briefly tells of his ministry.  He was performing signs and wonders among the people.  He was doing this full of grace and power.  Now what is interesting is that Stephen seems like an ordinary guy.  He was not an apostle.  We do not hear about him in the gospels  so it is unclear how long he had even been following Jesus.  However, note the power of a man who is full of the Spirit.  Note the impact that can be had.

This is the first lesson for the day.  When we are full of faith and the Spirit of God we can do great things for Christ in the power of the Spirit.  Simply have faith in what God will be able to do in and through you and walk in the Spirit of God. 

There is another lesson however, let us say that it is likely a little less popular.  When you are full of faith and the Spirit and when you are doing things in the name of the Lord Jesus, this does not mean that people will fall to their knees in prayer, and in fact, they may drop down only to pick up stones to throw at you.  This is the short story of Stephen.  While doing great things with God's help, he was blamed for something he did not do and brought before the law to be condemned.  Instead, he preached, condemning all those who were there condemning him and this led not to their immediate repentance, but to the end of his life.  He died proclaiming the name of Christ. 

The second lesson for the day is this.  Being full of faith and the Spirit will often lead to persecution and struggle.  This does not mean that we stop.  We continue because all we have is faith in God and trust that when we follow the Spirit of God we will be doing what God wants us to do.  So, if you are down because people are not responding do not let that hinder your witness but remember that so long as God gives you breath you are to declare the glorious praises of the One who called you into the image of His son.