When my niece and nephew are scared, they always reach for their parents, their grandparents, or aunts and uncles. You have seen this too if you have kids in your life. Something about the presence of loved ones when they are fearful is comforting. To be honest, it is also comforting for us as adults when we face difficult moments. As followers of Christ, we have the peace that comes from knowing that we are never alone because God is with us. Scripture teaches that when we go through our most difficult times, including persecution, Jesus stands by our side.
Stephen experienced God’s presence as he faced intense persecution. Because he was teaching and performing miracles in the name of Jesus, he was arrested and put on trial by religious leaders who did not like that he did these things in the name of Jesus. During the trial, he gave a defense for himself, and he did not hold back. Because of his boldness and honesty, religious leaders became angrier and angrier as he continued to defend his faith. The religious leaders eventually “shook their fists at him,” a sign that things were not going well for him and that he might lose his life (verse 55). As this happened, Stephen “gazed steadily into heaven and saw the glory of God, and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand” (verse 56). After telling everyone about the vision he saw, the religious leaders began to stone him. Don’t miss the beautiful truth that in his most difficult, terrifying moment as he was being stoned for his faith, God was near to Him. God made it unmistakable that He was with Stephen.
Just as God was with Stephen during his time of persecution, He is with you and me, too. Like a child comforted by their parents, God, our Heavenly Father, comforts us with His presence when we face difficulties, especially when we are persecuted for our faith. Because God is with us, we can have peace even in the most difficult times.
Go on a walk today and spend time talking with God. Thank Him for His presence. Thank Him for a God who comes near to His people, especially when we are facing difficulties. Tell Him what is on your mind. Ask Him for boldness and courage as you stand up for your faith.
"The Jewish leaders were infuriated by Stephen’s accusation, and they shook their fists at him in rage. 55 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily into heaven and saw the glory of God, and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 56 And he told them, “Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand!”
57 Then they put their hands over their ears and began shouting. They rushed at him 58 and dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. His accusers took off their coats and laid them at the feet of a young man named Saul.
59 As they stoned him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 He fell to his knees, shouting, “Lord, don’t charge them with this sin!” And with that, he "
