While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep. Acts 7:59-60, NIV
When I read the story of Stephen's trial before the Sanhedrin, the final three words of Acts 7 stopped me as I read: He fell asleep.
At first, I wondered, did he literally fall asleep as they were stoning him? No. But I decided it didn't matter. Stephen was enduring one of the most violent deaths possible. His accusers were stoning him for his faith in Christ.
He prayed, "Receive my spirit. Forgive them." After that? He passed from this life to the next as easily as falling asleep. As peaceful, as restful, as desirable, as anyone desires their experience of death to be.
God turned death into a nap for Stephen.
God made a fast-day lunch for my friend Karla into a feast. She shares the story:
I went to the store closest to my house, and grabbed this funky seaweed snack which tastes . . . well, funky . . . but it somehow adventurous and fun. I grabbed some antioxidant juice that was on sale. I went home and made a chocolate protein shake. I looked at the bounty--all healthy and good--and said to myself: "Funny how God can turn a fast into a feast."
If God can change death into a nap and a fast into a feast--what will He do with my day?
**For a chance to win one of my books, leave a comment (including your email address) answering the question: How has God transformed less-than-pleasant circumstances for you? One winner for every five comments will be chosen. Amy Campbell won last week's contest.**
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2 comments:
It has been in the last few months that God has put me in a Cocoon of protection from things that have been going on for years and years.When I pray the Holy Spirit of God keeps telling me "That it is done ,finish ,complete {no lack } ,shut you mouth and hold your peace for I have it all under control ".That is what I have done let it go now I can go through it with the peace {calmness of God } and go to bed at night and sleep .I am so glad you wrote this for the last few days this is the Bible verse's that has been drop into my spirit.God has it all under control !Blessings ,Dana "Girl"
jashbk@earthlink.net
Psalm 23 .
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Darlene!! You always share stories and ideas in a way that makes God's lessons relevant and truthful.
Thank you for taking my quick story and helping me understand a deeper truth.
God bless you!
Karla Johnson
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