Acts 6 and 7 talks about the ministry and death of Stephen.
I find it surprising that I've never heard a sermon about this man before. (ok, so I will admit it was possible I did and I didn't take the time to do further study, but for simplicity sake we will say I've never heard a sermon about him).
Stephen stood up for what he believed in, allowed the Holy Spirit to speak through him, obeyed Gods will for his life, and for all this he died.
Through his persecution came the catalyst the church needed to break through it's walls and expand out of Jerusalem.
Was this God's plan for Stephen all along?? Or was God taking a situation intended for evil and turning it into good??
I think Stephen's attitude about the situation is what stands out the most to me. While he is speaking to the Sanhedrin he does not focus on them or their anger, he looks up to God.
I would pray that God would work this kind of discipline and patience into my life, but then I'm too afraid He just might do it! So instead I will stand in awe of Stephen's character, and think of how amazing God's ways are. Through this horrible ordeal came a great time of evangelism and growth for the church.
