GAZING STEADILY

Today's reading: Acts 7-8

"But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily upward into heaven and saw the glory of God, and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor at God's right hand." Acts 7:55 NLT

Stephen was on the very edge of being stoned for his faith in God.

Within minutes of the actual deed.

Rage rose in the crowd surrounding him. Shouting drowned out his spoken testimony. Chaos and turmoil drew onlookers and incited people to join in.

But Stephen?

Stephen kept his eyes on the Lord.

On the Perfecter of his faith.

On the One for whom he would die, because He had died for him.

The entire account makes me pause long enough to think about where my focus is. Where are my eyes looking? What is my heart attentive to? What am I leaning towards in my deeds and actions?

Corrie ten Boom puts it like this...

If you look at the world, you'll be distressed. If you look within, you'll be depressed. If you look at God you'll be at rest.