🕊️ PRAY HERE Devotion 🕊️ Stephen Stood on Business for the Gospel!

Scripture: Acts 7:51–52 (ESV)

“You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you. Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who announced beforehand the coming of the Righteous One, whom you have now betrayed and murdered.”

Devotion: Have you ever been in a tight spot where you had to stand for what was right?

Maybe everyone at work was blaming an innocent person for something they did not do, and you knew the truth.

Maybe your friends were encouraging you to do something wrong, but you knew God would not approve.

Maybe you were the only person in the room willing to speak up and say, “This is not right.”

Those moments are uncomfortable.

They can cost you relationships, opportunities, popularity, and sometimes much more.

That is where we find Stephen.

The religious leaders had falsely accused him, lied on him, and dragged him before the council. Yet instead of panicking, becoming defensive, or responding in anger, Stephen boldly preached the truth.

Whew!

That takes courage.

Stephen showed real commitment to God and faith in His Word.

He refused to water down the gospel just to please them.

Glory to God!

Stephen knew exactly who he was talking to.

These were powerful religious leaders.

These were men who had influence, authority, and the power to make life difficult for him.

Yet Stephen still stood firm on the truth.

He did not change his message.

He did not soften what God had given him to say.

He did not compromise to protect himself.

Although Stephen knew what he was up against and what his fate would possibly be, he stood on business and that was the Word of God!

Whew!

The church desperately needs more believers like Stephen.

Not rude believers.

Not arrogant believers.

But courageous believers who love God enough to stand on His truth.

Today, many people are afraid to share the full Gospel because they do not want to offend anyone.

Some are afraid of being rejected.

Some are afraid of losing followers, friends, or opportunities.

But Stephen reminds us that truth is still truth, even when people do not want to hear it.

Imagine how many people would come to Jesus if believers boldly shared the Gospel without compromise.

Imagine how many lives would change if Christians stopped worrying so much about being accepted by people and focused more on being approved by God.

Stephen’s example challenges all of us.

When the pressure comes, will we stand?

When truth becomes unpopular, will we stand?

When obedience costs us something, will we stand?

Because standing for God is easy when everyone agrees with you.

The real test comes when they do not.

So today, ask yourself:

If I were standing where Stephen stood, would I have the courage to say what God told me to say?

God bless you!

Prayer: Father God, thank You for the example of Stephen and his unwavering faith. Lord, give me the courage to stand for what is right even when it is difficult. Help me never compromise Your truth to gain acceptance from people. Strengthen me to boldly share the Gospel with love, wisdom, and conviction. When opposition comes, help me remain faithful, steadfast, and obedient to Your Word. Let my life point others to Jesus, and give me the courage to stand on Your truth no matter the cost.

In Jesus’ name, Amen. 🕊️🙏