Virtues in Adversity

Acts 6:8-15

Stephen was singled out, had false accusations made against him, persecuted, and then stoned to death.

I have also been a victim of the first three.  But what can I do about it?  What did Stephen do? The only thing we can do, follow the example of God’s only begotten Son, Jesus Christ.

Stephen was:  
Full of the Holy Spirit.  Being filled with the Holy Spirit is the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, obedience, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control;

Full of Wisdom.  Wisdom comes from knowing Yahweh and Scripture reveals His wisdom;
Full of Faith.  You can only be full of faith if you believe in a sovereign God who uses the wicked deeds of people to accomplish His eternal purpose; 
Full of Grace.  Yeshua is Yahweh’s grace personified.  Salvation does not come from our works of righteousness, but by the undeserved favor of Yahweh that is shown to us while we are still sinners; 
Full of Power.  Yahweh’s mighty power is shown in our lives when we patiently and joyfully endure trials, not just when we are miraculously delivered from them.  


Stephen’s godly character shows itself in one outer quality: an angelic countenance.  Our faces should reflect to people that we have been in Yahweh’s presence, and that we have His joy and peace in our hearts.

Prayer: Father Yahweh, when we are faced with adversity, may we imitate Yeshua as Stephen did.  Please forgive those who persecute us with malicious vengeance.  Through Your love, be merciful to them.  In the Beloved name of Yeshua I pray.  Amen.

Susan Frantzis