Rocky Roads

Stephen never seems to get upset even under extreme circumstances. We often result to name calling or lashon hara (evil speach) when things don't go the way we had planned. Even the best of ministers have had their days where they have grown weary and give in to their impulses. Stephen doesn't, he stays calm and answers them by speaking the truth without embarrasement or shame. When opposition comes our way we need to stay focused and speak the truth always.

The account of Stephen, in the book of Acts, is one of my favorite parts of the Bible. It shows a man who clearly loved God with everything that was in Him. Not only was he willing to serve and go wherever he was needed, but he allowed the very Word of God to be written on his heart. This man was so filled with the Holy Spirit that it says, "his face was like the face of an angel". This physical appearance wasn't just evident to other believers, but his accusers could see it as well. Oh, to be like this man! To allow God access to every part of our lives, and be so connected to Him through His word and in prayer, that people can see the manifestation of the Holy Spirit in our faces. I know from experience, that the days I give myself over to God and ask Him to use me, people are drawn to me. I have had people tell me, "there is something different in your eyes". This week I have had the privilege of sharing the Gospel with someone. I have prayed for this person for a while, and that God would give me the right words to speak. We have become friends over the past couple of months, and now talking with this person is very natural. We are easily able to transition from every day subjects, to those about God. Of course, this person is open to hearing these things, but I believe that each one of us has someone like this in our lives. Don't be afraid to speak to people about God. Just be yourself, and ask Him to give you His words, and He will! Although there has been no opposition yet, and I pray there will be none, I am expecting it. I know all too well that there is a spiritual battle going on behind the scenes. When I finish reading the end of Acts Chapter 7, I can't help but weep. In the midst of the attack on Stephen, he looks up and is able to see Jesus Christ standing next to God, waiting to receive him into heaven. Will I be put to death for sharing the Gospel? In America, most likely not. However, if I keep doing it, at some point there will be opposition, and I need to be ready to face it.

If you truly know God and have him in your heart, nothing will stand in your way. Know the facts, have the proof to back you when you need it. How can anyone opposing you win if you have the truth on your side! God always gives us the answers we need when we need them all we have to do is ask.

I know i'm realy late lol but um i havent had a chance toreadmy email or to do anything much on the computer for a long while. Anyway what Regina said was very encouraging and i believe that part where she said "just be yourself". I think that is really important cuz when we just be ourselves and allow God to use us it is just magnificent how the other person at the other end receives it. God is so good. I also just wanted to say that opposition is my struggle right now and i mean a very big one. It is like i;m taking a steps that i believe God really wants me to take but i'm getting nowhere. The more i try the harder it gets and i am so frustrated it is like i dont know what else to do. So If you could pray for me or at least respond to my message through email. I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks and God Bless. Have a wonderful Day everyone.

Sham,

Glad to see you back today. I just wanted to let you know that our P4 team will pray for you. It can be frustrating when we don't feel like we're making progress for the Lord. But, as you know, we're not promised an easy road as we're out their slugging it out for Christ. So hang in there and stay in God's Word and use it for your strength. Tami W.