Acts 6:8–10 And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. Then there arose some from what is called the Synagogue of the Freedmen (Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia), disputing with Stephen. And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke.

Stephen is one of the deacons who was mightily used by God in performing miracles and in preaching the word. He is the first man other than an apostle who is said to have performed miracles in the Book of Acts. Opposition to Stephen’s powerful ministry arose from the synagogue. These zealous Jews proved no match for Stephen as they disputed with him. The words which he spoke and the power with which he spoke them were irresistible. Jesus taught that those who are faithful in little things will be made rulers over greater things. If you desire to be used by the Lord, you must be faithful in whatever God gives you to do. Scripture says not to “despise the days of small things” (Zechariah 4:10), yet many find themselves reluctant to do the seemingly insignificant tasks. Eager for something grander, they feel menial service is beneath them. But the way of the Lord is that one must first prove faithful in the smaller things, and then He will give that person greater responsibility. The reward for faithfulness in service is greater service. Stephen modeled this beautifully. He began by serving tables, helping feed widows. But because he was faithful, he was then elected to the office of deacon. He was one of seven men chosen by the early church as being a man full of the Holy Spirit, full of wisdom, and full of good works. Here we find him doing “great wonders and signs among the people.” Stephen went from being a table server to a deacon to a miracle-worker because he was faithful at every step.

Challenge:

Perhaps you are thinking, I do not want anything more to do, I am already busy enough as it is. We often confuse over booked schedules with having greater responsibilities when, in reality, many of us are engaged in tasks that were never meant for us to take upon ourselves in the first place. Being used by the Lord, as Stephen was used in these verses, is a great blessing in the life of the believer. Having greater responsibility from the Lord means you are already equipped for that responsibility and you will rarely notice you have been given more to do. As I grew in my faith with God and He increasingly used me in a greater capacity, I was constantly amazed how well He prepared me for each season in my life. Your challenge this week is to be content right where you are, then let God add to your effectiveness as He sees necessary. I am confident that Stephen was being used in this greater capacity, not because he wanted the recognition or fame, but because he was being powerfully used by the Lord to impact the lives of others. When God is ready to use your life, He will equip you with everything you will need to accomplish His will. So, be faithful this week and let God do the work in you and through you. God’s richest blessings be with you.