(The following is the May 12 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read Acts 6 and pay close attention to verses 1-10.)

Stephen was one of seven men chosen to help manage the early church’s growing responsibilities. They sought “men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and wisdom” (v. 3). He was “a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit” (v. 5) and “full of grace and power” (v. 8). When opposition arose, “they were unable to stand up against his wisdom and the Spirit by whom he was speaking” (v. 10).

Undoubtedly, Stephen brought admirable qualities to the table, but God bestowed those gifts on him. Stephen used them for God’s glory. God’s wisdom baffled Stephen’s opponents since God was its source: “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding” (Prov. 2:6).

The Holy Spirit and the wisdom of God working through Stephen were too great for his opponents to argue against effectively. Ultimately, they resorted to evil schemes that led to his martyrdom, but God used even that to spread the gospel to other nations as people scattered in response to the threat of persecution.

Christians must not rely on human wisdom and power when presenting the gospel to unbelievers. That is a recipe for failure. We must do as James 1:5 says: “Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God – who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly – and it will be given to him.” All true believers have the Holy Spirit indwelling them, and our Father is eager to equip his children with wisdom when they ask. God can then use us to speak the truths of his Word with his wisdom by the power of his Spirit in meaningful ways, as Stephen did. We may face opposition, but we must remain faithful.

Next Step:
When did you last pray for wisdom? Do you regularly do so? Devote time to such prayer throughout the week ahead. Be specific if there are areas where you feel notably lacking in wisdom (for example, relationships, decisions, possible changes, etc.).