Reimagine Courage Through the Life of Stephenනියැදිය

A Foundation That Cannot Be Shaken

When your faith is challenged or questioned, what do you lean on for stability? Your feeling? Personal experiences? The opinions of people around you? While those can be helpful, they’re also fragile. Emotions shift. Experiences vary. People change their minds. But Stephen shows us how to build our confidence on something far stronger—God’s unshakable faithfulness woven throughout history.

Standing before the Sanhedrin, Stephen didn’t launch into a passionate personal defense. Instead, he delivered a sweeping, Spirit-filled retelling of Israel’s story—from Abraham to Joseph to Moses. It was a carefully crafted, deeply theological reminder: God has always been faithful, and His people have often been resistant.

Stephen’s purpose was clear. He wasn’t just giving a history lesson—he was holding up a mirror. Just as Israel had rejected Joseph and Moses, the Sanhedrin was now rejecting Jesus. They were repeating the same cycle: resisting God’s chosen messenger and missing God's greater plan.

Yet even more powerful than that indictment was Stephen’s underlying encouragement: through it all, God never stopped working. His purposes weren’t thwarted by human failure. His promises didn’t waver in the face of rejection. From patriarchs to prophets, in Egypt or the wilderness, God was always faithful—even when His people were not.

That’s the foundation Stephen stood on. Not clever arguments. Not personal charisma. Not cultural momentum. He stood on the solid rock of God’s Word and God’s record. That’s why he could speak boldly without fear—because his faith was anchored in the proven character of a God who never changes.

You and I have access to the same foundation. When our convictions are questioned, when culture pushes back, when we feel pressure to stay silent or compromise, we don’t have to be shaken. We can stand firm on the track record of a faithful God who has always come through and always will.

The more deeply we know God’s story, the more unshakable our confidence becomes. Scripture isn’t just a religious book—it’s a record of God’s relentless pursuit of His people. And when we soak ourselves in that truth, we find the courage to face whatever lies ahead.

Reflection Questions:

1. How does understanding God’s faithfulness throughout history help you stand firm in your current challenges?
2. How can growing in Scripture and knowing God’s character more deeply equip you to face opposition with courage?

Prayer:
Thank You, Lord, for Your unshakable faithfulness throughout history. Help me build my life on the solid foundation of Your truth and character. Strengthen my confidence in Your unchanging nature and help me stand firm when pressure comes. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.