Fan the Flame - a Journey Through Actsഉദാഹരണം

Day 15 - Stephen's Calling

Often, when we are asked what God has called us to do, we may answer that God called us to be singers, preachers, pastors, church planters, Sunday school teachers, etc. That may be true, and it is good. But I believe God called us to something beyond. He called us first and foremost to be sensitive and obedient to the Holy Spirit. If we asked what God called Stephen from the book of Acts to do, we can say that God called him to look after the tables in the distribution of aid to widows. However, because Stephen knew God called him first and foremost to be obedient to the Holy Spirit, we see great things that he accomplished.

Stephen was an ordinary man, yet filled with extraordinary faith. In Acts 6:8-14, we find him doing great wonders and signs among the people, empowered by God. But not everyone rejoiced at his ministry. Opposition arose from members of the Synagogue, who argued with him, yet could not stand against his wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke. Frustrated, they resorted to lies, stirring up the religious leaders against him. Soon, Stephen was seized and falsely accused of speaking against Moses and the temple. His steadfast faith led him straight into conflict, yet he did not waver.

Stephen was called to serve, and his initial appointment was as one of the seven chosen to distribute food fairly among the widows, but his ministry did not stop at tables. He remained faithful to his calling, and he allowed God to work through him beyond his assigned task. He performed miracles, debated with scholars, and boldly proclaimed the truth of Christ. His steadfastness was not a limitation, it was a launching pad for greater impact.

Many times, we define our calling too narrowly. We believe that if God has placed us in one area, that is the only way He will use us. But Stephen’s life reminds us that steadfastness does not mean stagnation. God may plant you in one place, but He can grow your influence far beyond it. Perhaps you serve in a specific ministry, at work, or within your family, but God is calling you to be bold beyond those boundaries.

Being steadfast means being faithful to God’s purpose, but it does not mean resisting the Spirit’s leading when He calls you to more. If Stephen had only focused on distributing food, he might have missed the greater mission God had for him. Likewise, do not let your sense of calling become a box that limits how God can use you. Stay faithful, but stay open because when God calls, He often leads beyond where we expected to go.

Where might God be calling you to step beyond your current role while remaining faithful to His purpose? Be steadfast but not boxed in and let Him lead you into greater impact.

Written by Emil Rahimov