Could Not Withstand

Day 159: Acts 6:1-15

'But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking.' - Acts 6:10 ESV

Rarely do we hear of someone who is young that is eager to "work their way up" to a more "important" job. Usually, the expectation is that God will place us exactly where we want to be right away, and when this doesn't happen, disappointment sets in. This can also go the other way, where we see ourselves trapped in a role, doomed to cycle through its grasp till the end of our days.

Stephen's story is one that should encourage all of us, no matter what role we find ourselves in today.

He was one of the Hellenistic Jews chosen to make sure their widows were getting what they needed as they distributed food. So how does a guy go from being a food referee to verbally body slamming the greatest thinkers of his time and place?

There were two differentiating factors at play, and both are relevant in any position or role you might find yourself in.

1) Wisdom

2) Speaking by the Spirit

Both are not characteristics we acquire through hard work. They are, like we spoke of yesterday, gifts. Are you sensing a theme in Christianity? We are worshiping a gift-giving God. He gives us what we need and when we need it to accomplish all He's asked us to do.