Key Ideas
Faith Fact
I will serve God no matter what.
Faith Verse
Ephesians 6:13 (NLT)
Put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will be standing firm.
Question of the Day: How can we be faithful when things are hard?
Read about It
Read: Acts 6:2–15
The apostles needed to concentrate on teaching the Word of God. Because of this, they needed to choose people to help with the ministry. One man they chose was Stephen. The Bible says that he was “full of faith and the Holy Spirit.” Not only did he help run the food program, but he also helped to spread the message of Jesus. He was committed to the work and to sharing the gospel.
Stephen did miracles and signs among the people by the power of God. He was also full of wisdom. When people tried to argue with Stephen about Jesus, nobody could stand against the Holy Spirit working through him. Stephen was faithful in all things, even when he was falsely accused of saying untrue things about God and arrested. Why was he able to stand firm? Because he was committed to Jesus. It didn’t matter what duty he was assigned to or where he was. He did it all for Jesus.
What are the assignments that God has created for you? Your tasks could be helping a friend in need or raising money for a missionary. Maybe you have been called to hand out snacks for the little kids at church or give an answer for what Jesus has done for you. God gives us opportunities every single day.
Stephen ran a food program, gave a powerful witness for Jesus, performed miracles and signs, and pointed others to Jesus. Stephen’s commitment wasn’t because he wanted to impress others. His commitment came from his heart for God. When commitment comes from the heart, you can hold on when other things make you want to quit—when you get made fun of, when someone falsely accuses you, or when people don’t understand your love for Jesus. We can be faithful during hard times through praying, reading God’s Word, and worshipping. The Holy Spirit will help us to stand firm.
Talk about It
Question 1. What was Stephen’s special task?
Answer 1. Helping to give food to needy widows, women whose husband had died (Acts 6:1–3)
Question 2. Why do you think Stephen was chosen for this task?
Answer 2. Stephen was “well respected and … full of the Spirit and wisdom.” (Acts 6:3)
Question 3. How else did Stephen show that he was faithful to God’s call?
Answer 3. Answers will vary.
Question 4. What happened to Stephen when he was arrested and brought before the council?
Answer 4. His face was “as bright as an angel’s.” (Acts 6:15)
Question 5. How can we be faithful when things are hard?
Answer 5. Answers will vary.
Pray about It
Dear Jesus, thank You for the honor of doing the tasks that You created for me. Help me to do what You have called me to do, even during hard times. Through Your power, I will be able to stand firm and faithfully do every task that You have given me. Amen.