“FULL OF FAITH!”

Acts 6:5; 7:58-60

“5 And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man “FULL OF FAITH” and of the HOLY SPIRIT, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch....

....58 Then they cast him out of the city and STONED him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a YOUNG MAN NAMED SAUL.

59 And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, "LORD JESUS, receive my spirit."

60 And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, "LORD, do not hold this sin against them." And when he had said this, he fell asleep.”

It could be rather easy to hold those who stoned Stephen accountable for his brutal death.  Scripture states that Stephen was a man “FULL OF FAITH” and of the HOLY SPIRIT, yet he was about to experience torture and pain like few others before or since.  Yet, the entire sixth chapter of Acts is a sermon that speaks of GOD’s unfailing LOVE for mankind and how the earthly hierarchy of the Jews could not SEE GOD, even when HE was right before their eyes!  

Mankind has a vast “hole” inside of us that we have a longing to fill.  “This world” attempts to fill that “hole” with anything and everything under the sun to prevent us from experience the fullness of the SPIRIT we were created to enjoy.  John 4:24 says “GOD IS SPIRIT...”, but the enemy is trying to sell that filling that “hole”with THINGS is the way to PEACE and HAPPINESS.  How often do we hear of those who achieve wealth and prosperity with no meaning in their lives?  Could it be they aren’t “FULL OF FAITH” and they can’t buy the PEACE and HAPPINESS they long for???

The FAITH and PROSPERITY people seldom will preach about Stephen, or that eleven of the twelve disciples didn’t die a natural death.  Paul, formerly known as Saul (verse 58), was decapitated in Rome.  Living for CHRIST does not guarantee you a prosperous, lengthy life.  On the contrary, it may bring you difficulties and tribulations.  But Paul was told in 2 Corinthians 12:9 that “MY grace is sufficient for you, for MY power is made perfect in weakness."  IF allowing CHRIST to be Glorified in our weaknesses is a worthy desire, I should be the ultimate Believer, for I am the “weakest”!

Stephen is known as a man who was “FULL OF FAITH” and the HOLY SPIRIT.  What I will be known for will probably be something a lot more worldly?  My prayer is that when others see my time on this earth, they will observe that TRUSTING IN GOD is the ONLY WAY to exhibit being what we are called to be?  In Hebrews 11:6 scripture says “...without FAITH, it is impossible to please HIM....”!  My desire is not for great wealth, fame, or fortune.  It is to be “FULL OF FAITH”!!!