Discovery Journal

Guest Blogger Lisa N. - January 31, 2011

Scripture:

Acts 7:35 "This is the same Moses whom they had rejected with the words 'Who made you ruler and judge?' He was sent to be their ruler and deliverer by God Himself, through the angel who appeared to him in the bush."

Observation:

This is Stephen's testimony while he is on trial for false accusation of defamation of God and Moses. This exerpt of his testimony shows Stephen's knowledge of the story of Moses, but it also tells of Moses' perseverance, how Moses was rejected by the very people he was destined to save. This goes so much deeper. How many times during difficult times in our lives have we rejected God's help or His will for us?

Application:

How difficult is it to do something nice for someone while they are rejecting our assistance? Don't we usually find ourselves tempted to turn and leave that person to themselves, to figure it out on their own? God's love for us is EXPANSIVE! He loves us so much that no matter how many times we tune Him out, rebuke or rebel against him - He is still there, giving us His best, showing us the way. Even if it may be the difficult way, where, like Stephen or Moses, WE are the ones rebuked, we play a major role in God's greater plan.

Prayer:

Lord, I pray I appreciate You. I want to recognize Your perseverance for me. That even if I feel rejected or being led down a difficult path - I realize that You know the way. You are constantly reaching out to me and I want to hear You, Lord. Please turn my ears toward You. Lift my heart to You. You will never leave me. Lord, thank You for always being by my side, even when I am pushing You away or failing to turn to You when I need You most.