You cannot buy the power of the Holy Spirit or get it with your effort. If you have given your life to Christ, the power of the Holy Spirit lives in you.

Stephen, a key figure in the early church, was “a man full of God’s grace and power, …” (Acts 6:8). He was falsely accused of blasphemy and appeared before the Sanhedrin, following arguments with members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen who “could not stand up against the wisdom the (Holy) Spirit gave him as he spoke” (Acts 6:10). In his defense, Stephen presented a profound historical narration of God’s move with the children of Israel and concluded his testimony by stating, “You stiff-necked people! Your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised. You are just like your ancestors: You always resist the Holy Spirit. Was there ever a prophet your ancestors did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered Him – you who have received the law that was given through angels but have not obeyed it (Acts 7:51-53).

For a man facing grave accusations, these were very brave words indeed!  Predictably, members of the Sanhedrin reacted with fury; “But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God” (Acts 7:55). They eventually dragged him out of the city, and “While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “LORD Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “LORD, do not hold this sin against them “(Acts 7:59-60).

The story of Stephen teaches us that the Holy Spirit can give one boldness, courage, and endurance amid extremely challenging times. Because Stephen was full of the Holy Spirit, he remained true, faithful, focused, and Christ-like in the face of imminent death. Whatever the situation, the Holy Spirit has the power to give you the ability to overcome difficulties.

APPLICATION

Are you facing challenging and difficult times? Have faith that the Holy Spirit has the power to overcome whatever situation or challenges you encounter.

 

PRAYER

Dear LORD, I pray for the Holy Spirit to move in me and make my life whole again.