Written by Mark Driskill:
Wednesday February 9, 2011
Read Acts 7:54-60
What do you see when all of hell breaks loose against you? An angry mob was closing in on Stephen. He knew that his life would soon end. His faithful witness was met with all the rage of hell’s forces. As the stones rained upon him he looked up and saw Jesus and the glory of God. I am in awe of this.
When we are under attack for our faith do we look up and see the glory of God? Or do we shrink back into depression and begin to doubt God’s love? I fear the latter has too often been my reaction. The Holy Spirit enabled Stephen to look beyond the surface of this attack and see that God was being glorified even in Stephens death. This gave the first martyr the grace not only to see Jesus, but to emulate him, saying “Lord do not hold this sin against them.” as his Lord had said from the cross.
If Stephen had only seen the rage of his enemies rather than the glory of God he may have uttered a cry of despair or hostility instead. I guess you could say that when trouble comes to you what you see determines what you say in response. If you see only the trouble at hand you will speak out of your fear rather than out of your faith. But if you see the hand of God in it you will be able to speak forgiveness and grace to your enemies as we are commanded.
What you see today determines what you say.
Mark Driskill and his wife Mary are homeschooling community ministers in Breathitt County Kentucky. They have four children. They co pastor Emmanuel fellowship Church, serve as Camp Pastors at Bethel Mennonite Camp, and Mark Teaches at Oakdale Christian Academy.
Mark is web minister for Begotten by theWord , a ministry of Helping Hands Christian Resources.
Once a month he preaches on the local radio station through the “Lion of Judah” program. Mark also preaches in youth rallies and revivals upon request at no charge. Their vision is to see true spiritual awakening come to the mountains of Eastern Kentucky and to the nation.
Contact information:
Email: driskill@hilbillymail.com
Facebook: Mark Driskill
Address: PO Box 1159 Jackson KY.
