July 10, 2008 - Acts 6:8

“Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people.” Acts 6:8.
Stephen was one of the seven honored by being selected to serve within the community. He was also said to be full of the Spirit of God and wisdom. In today’s verse, we see that he is also “full of God’s grace and power,” and that he “did great wonders and miraculous signs.” We can only imagine whether these signs and wonders were similar to the ones Jesus had performed when He was among the people. In any case, it was clear that Stephen was moving in some amazing ways that many others were not graced.
Stephen must have been aware that whenever someone moves in such dynamic power, they become a lightning rod of sorts. Not only do they attract the attention of those in need, but they also attract the attention of the opposition, whoever that may be. Consider what happened to Jesus, Stephen’s Master, and, also, to the present leaders of his community, Peter, James, and John. They were persecuted, yet all remained faithful to the message. Stephen, too, stayed faithful in the midst of growing dissension. It did not matter to him that he was a lightning rod, for he was empowered to speak forth his message in both words and actions.
The signs and wonders are not what attract me so much to Stephen. Instead, I am awed by his faithfulness and his strength of character exhibited. I believe that this is why he was “a man full of God’s grace and power.” I am challenged to be that type of person, no matter the end result.
Questions to consider: What kind of person do you think Stephen was? What kind of person do you desire to be? What are you doing today to be that person? What steps can you take today that will help you to grow as that person?
Prayer: Father, it is my desire to be a person that is full of Your grace and power. Please help me to make positive choices that will help me to grow in Your character, integrity, and faithfulness. Amen.