What is Success in Life?

But Stephen was filled with the Holy Spirit. He looked toward heaven, where he saw our glorious God and Jesus standing at his right side. Then Stephen said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right side of God!”

Acts 7:55–56 (CEV)

What do you think a successful life looks like? Wealth, comfort, a million followers on social media? Many celebrity examples show that those things don’t guarantee happiness. What about the love of family, working hard at your job, or being helpful to people?

Stephen wasn’t concerned about success in the world’s eyes. He gave his life to serve the Lord he loved. The church chose him to care for the needy people. God chose him to perform miracles and tell people about Jesus.

But doing the right thing doesn’t guarantee popularity or wealth or comfort. Some religious leaders hated Stephen’s message about Jesus—and when they tried to debate him, they lost. Stephen’s message was a challenge to their authority. In court, Stephen gave a speech that outraged them.

At the end of his speech, Stephen saw into Heaven! He told the council he saw Jesus standing there, right next to God. And that made them so angry they took Stephen out and killed him. But Stephen wasn’t afraid to die. He even forgave his murderers while he was dying.

Stephen was completely brave because he knew his life was in Jesus’s hands, and Jesus had conquered death itself. Living with this kind of focus on God’s kingdom is how to have a successful life!

SPIRITUAL FITNESS TRAINING

Being in love with Jesus and knowing what he wants you to do with your life means knowing him better every day. How can you do that today?

PRAY

Jesus, I want to give you my life. Help me be brave and follow you in life and death.

KEEP IT GOING

Related passages: These additional verses will help you expand Scriptural knowledge and place on the armor of God’s Word to tackle each day. Please read...

Psalm 23:4

Psalm 31:14–15

Romans 14:7–8

Philippians 1:20–21

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This devotional was written by Tonia Gutting for the Hero Squad Program of the American Bible Society. Hero Squad provides complimentary faith-based resources to strengthen and encourage Military families through God’s Word. For more information or to enroll your Military family, check out our website:www.myherosquad.org.