FEAST: 30 Days of Real Truth for Real LifeSample

Day 29: Stephen—Stand

Snack

1. Standing for truth may cost us, but God gives us strength.
2. The Spirit equips us with wisdom and courage.
3. Even in suffering, our lives can point to Jesus.

Appetiser

Have you ever faced opposition for speaking the truth or standing up for your faith?

Main Course

Stephen was chosen as one of the first deacons, known for being“a man full of God’s grace and power” (Acts 6:8 NIV). As he served, God performed great wonders through him. When opposition arose, his wisdom and Spirit-filled words could not be resisted (Acts 6:10).

Brought before the Sanhedrin, Stephen boldly proclaimed God’s story, from Abraham to Jesus. His words cut to the heart of his hearers, but instead of repentance, they responded with fury. As they gnashed their teeth at him, Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and said,“Look, I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God (Acts 7:56 NIV). His vision declared that Jesus, usually described as seated at the right hand, was standing—ready to receive His faithful witness.

Stephen’s stand shows us that courage comes not from ourselves but from the Spirit within us.Jesus had promised,“On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them… But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say” (Matthew 10:18-19 NIV). Stephen lived this promise as the Spirit gave him boldness. As stones rained down, Stephen prayed,“Lord Jesus, receive my spirit”and“Lord, do not hold this sin against them” (Acts 7:59-60, NIV). Even in death, his heart reflected the mercy of Christ.

Paul later wrote to Timothy,“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord” (2 Timothy 1:7-8 NIV). Stephen embodied this truth—his stand became a seed for the church’s witness. When opposition comes, we are not called to shrink back but to stand firm.

Like Stephen, our strength is found in the Spirit and our hope in Christ.