One thing that the book of ACTS makes crystal clear is that the Christian life brings with it 'trouble'.
Jesus spoke again & again to His followers about suffering, cross carrying, trials & persecution. He also spoke often about the peace, comfort, hope & strength that God would give His followers as they went through these tough times.
Chapter 6 of ACTS reveals Stephen, a man full of God's grace & power, being dragged into a dangerous & confronting situation, full of lies & accusations.
The temptation to back down, to deny Christ, to say or do whatever those accusing him would find acceptable, would have been huge!
Would he give in? NO!
What about us?
When the pressures on how do we respond?
Do we stand firm, or give up?
The hard road is littered with those who have given up as they let the pressure get to them, but there are countless thousands who have kept their eyes on Jesus & have successfully completed the journey!
Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face.
And the things of this earth will grow strangely dim,
in the light of His glory & grace!
