Forty Days Without FearSample

STEPHEN & THE FEAR OF GOD 

We don’t generally talk much about Stephen. He isn’t as famous as Moses, or David, and he’s only mentioned in a couple of chapters of the Bible, so it can be tempting to skim over his life, but his story is really inspirational! He’s one of the greatest examples of what it looks like to live with a healthy fear of God.

Stephen was so full of the Holy Spirit that it did not matter what other people thought of him. Rather than being fearful of man, he had fear of God. He was so in awe of God and so confident in his mission to see people saved, that he chose to continue preaching the good news of Jesus, even at risk to his life.

As they attempted to take his life, Stephen called on the name of Jesus, because he knew that his strength was in Him. Verse 56 says that Stephen’s eyes were fixed solely on God; he was not caught up in his personal circumstance, but on the agenda of Heaven. He was even willing to die for the gospel because of his experience of the love and goodness of God! The life of Stephen reminds us that walking in the fear of God frees us from the paralysing fear of men.

Action: Like Stephen, may we be full of the Spirit and make the most of every God-given opportunity today. Pause before God and ask for His Spirit filling and boldness.