Strength for TomorrowSample

Day 28: Stephen – Strength to Stand Firm in Faith

Scripture: Acts 7:54-60
Key Verse: “While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’ Then he fell on his knees and cried out, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’” – Acts 7:59-60

Stephen was a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit. When he boldly preached the gospel, the religious leaders became furious and stoned him to death. Yet even as he was dying, he echoed the words of Jesus, asking God to forgive his killers. Stephen, a young man, was the first person martyred for the gospel of Jesus Christ and laid the groundwork for Paul to become a Christian.

True strength isn’t just about endurance; it’s about standing firm in faith, even in the face of opposition. Stephen knew where his absolute security lay. He wasn’t afraid of death because his eyes were fixed on Jesus.

We need the courage to stand firm in a world that often opposes truth. Stephen’s strength didn’t come from himself but from the Holy Spirit. The same Spirit is in us today, empowering us to be bold for Christ.

Prayer Focus: Ask God for the strength to stand firm in faith, even when facing opposition or persecution.