Peter grabbed a sword, somehow missing all that the Lord had tried to teach him in the preceding three years.  We as Christian’s, look at Peter’s passion as if somehow we would behave differently.  I assert that the majority of us would and will give in to our own fears when confronted with the same pressures to which the Apostles found themselves subject.  Fear is the enemy’s primary weapon of choice.  We are not taught to employ fear in our discipleship, though we know that fear is the beginning of wisdom does present a foothold from which unbelieving theorist’s seek purchase.  How are we to separate the enemy’s use of fear from the reverent fear which produces discernment and wisdom? Lord, how are we to react, reflect or demonstrate our love for You and for the humans You have created without the use of enemy tools, devices and tactics?  How do we overcome them without becoming them?  How do we protect ourselves, forgive those who harm us and proceed boldly into a future we know by Your Word will carry regular and horrific tragedy as norm?  How do we live a life that reflects the faith of Stephen rather than the doubtful shame of Thomas?

We don’t want to accept the answer, because to do so requires that we surrender all to God’s Will for our lives.  I hear Pastors say we need to give God Sovereignty, control or authority over our lives in order to achieve this or that objective.  I pray that they see how this leading/teaching may produce wrong thinking in their flocks.  This is simply blind logic.  God is sovereign over our lives regardless of our choices or surrender level.  It is an entirely different idea to “accept” that sovereignty rather than ignoring, resisting or fighting against it.  Yes Stephen surrendered to God’s Will for his life and thus was filled with the Holy Spirit at the moment when the predestined events arrived for which he was designed.  Each of us must have personal conversation with the Lord where we accept His sovereignty and surrender to His will or decide to remain in our own/enemy guidance, authority and direction.

Stephen accepted God’s Sovereignty and surrendered to the guidance, authority and direction of the Holy Spirit of God, even unto death.  That is such a tough concept for us to fathom, that I doubt many of us reflect upon it unless reminded.  The answer that we are loathe to accept is that we cannot overcome anything in and of ourselves.  It is through our testimony of how GOD came to our rescue, providing forgiveness, salvation and shelter that frees us from the wiles of the enemy.  It is through the Blood of the Lamb, JESUS the CHRIST by which we are redeemed, sanctified, made whole and protected from the powers of the principalities of the air.  It is by our love and trust in Jesus that we are indwelt by the HOLY SPIRIT, sealed for eternity, empowered to overcome fear, capable of discerning truth from ignorance and deception.

Lord, I pray that You indwell me in such a way, that if I am ever provided that Stephen Moment, I will allow You to overcome the circumstances, forces and fears.  Let me realize my humanity to the point where I fully accept to rely upon myself in that moment would produce nothing but shame, failure and regret.  I will never overcome the enemy, but Praise Be to God in Jesus Christ that the enemy has been stripped of all authority by Jesus Christ Himself.  I need not fear that Moment for You have seen it before the beginning of time and provided the strength and guidance to carry me through, producing results commensurate to Your Glory.  If my death even in humility, embarrassment and shame somehow furthers Your Kingdom then let me accept Your Sovereignty as Truth.  Praise You Father.  Live Your Will through Me.  Forgive them for me even when I cannot.  Stand when my legs will not support my weight, give me the Right Words when my mind and tongue are paralyzed by fear.  I remain protected, armored by Your Character, where nothing can move me without Your willing it so.  Thank You for choosing me, it is the greatest honor of my life.  Amen.