July 7, 2021 - Acts 7:59 - 8:3

Life does not always treat us fairly! It often appears when someone who lies or acts wrongly toward us, has seemingly gotten away with the infraction. The lesson to learn is that we must overcome the wrongs done toward us and continue doing what is right. Not every act is corrected or every false statement verified and altered. The challenge will be to overcome these inequalities and maintain the integrity of our character.

Stephen is the first martyr of the church as the furnace of persecution opens and the church is now encompassed with individuals that want to inflict pain and suffering upon this group that had experienced the power and miraculous workings of God. A young Pharisee that was approving of Stephen's death led the onslaught of persecution during this time. His name is Saul and he becomes the leading advocate to persecute and scatter the believers from Jerusalem to other areas of Judea and Samaria (8:1).

Difficulties and trials will come into the life of the believer and we should expect them to occur. No one is immune from evil people seeking to diminish or silence the message of the Gospel. Individuals, like Saul may be used by the Lord to move believers out of the comfort of home, church, or familiar settings to spread the Gospel message.

While none of us enjoy the difficult times, the Lord uses them to spread His people and message to areas not yet reached by Him. As storms sometimes wreak destruction and misery, it also brings life giving nourishment to the land. If you are in the midst of a storm, realize it will not last forever and that the Lord will use it to accomplish His purposes and plans despite the sorrow and hardship endured for a short time.