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Acts 7-8


I have always loved history.  I’m not sure, however, that a history lesson would be the first thing coming to my mind in response to angry accusers at a trumped-up trial! 

Stephen was obviously a student of his people’s history.  He gave a concise yet detailed account of God’s work among his chosen people.  It struck me when reading this account that Stephen had rehearsed that timeline.  He knew the story so well that it readily came to mind even while being personally attacked in a stressful situation. 

How often do we rehearse the history of God’s work in our own lives?  A few years ago, during the “There’s More” seminars which Pastor Merv and Mike Johnson coordinated, we were encouraged to create a timeline of our lives.  The timeline included significant people, events, and spiritual milestones.  It was deeply impactful to look back over the course of my life and see God’s faithfulness charted out in a very personal and meaningful way.  While that exercise may not appeal to everyone, I encourage all of us to find a way to make God’s history a regular part of our family life.  Share the things which God has done for you around your dinner table, keep a journal chronicling God’s work in your life, ask your children how they have seen God’s hand in their day.  Rehearsing stories of God’s faithfulness over and over increases our own confidence and assurance in His power.  Then we can stand firm in any situation just like Stephen.
~Barb Keeler

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