[Stephen continued his defense by reviewing some significant things in the lives of Israel's patriarchs:] "God also gave Abraham the covenant of circumcision [when he gave Abraham the promises]. So when Abraham became the father of Isaac, he circumcised him on the eighth day. And the practice was continued when Isaac became the father of Jacob, and when Jacob became the father of the twelve patriarchs of the Israelite nation.
"These patriarchs were jealous of their brother Joseph, and they sold him to be a slave in Egypt. But God was with him and rescued him from all his troubles. And God gave him favor before Pharaoh, king of Egypt. God also gave Joseph unusual wisdom, so that Pharaoh appointed him governor over all of Egypt and put him in charge of the palace."
— Acts 7:8-10 NLT
Key Thought
As Stephen reviews the history of God's faithfulness to the patriarchs, his words remind us of God's faithfulness and power to rescue the world through his people's faithfulness. Whether people face an economic downturn, personal suffering, persecution, or a pandemic, God does not waste their struggles. The Scriptures remind us again and again that God uses his people to bless the world. This miraculous power to be a blessing — especially in times of distress — testifies to God's power. A cynical world can experience God's people as his salt, light, and grace when they serve others in times of distress. Their lives sing the melody of faithful love and mercy that Joseph's life sang; the LORD God of Israel, the sovereign Creator of the universe who came to us as Jesus, is the God of rescue!
Today's Prayer
Almighty God, my Abba Father, thank you for your mercy and grace. Thank you for your sustaining presence in my trials and troubles. Thank you for making your grace known through me even when I am not at first aware of it. Use my life to be a conduit of your blessings. I want those who see my life to see your grace and power so that they can come to faith in Jesus. I ask this in his name. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
- Genesis 12:1-3
- Ephesians 1:3-6
Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Sunday, April 2, 2023
Illustration
![Illustration of Acts 7:8-10 NLT — [Stephen continued his defense by reviewing some significant things in the lives of Israel's patriarchs:] "God also gave Abraham the covenant of circumcision [when he gave Abraham the promises]. So when Abraham became the father of Isaac, he circumcised him on the eighth day. And the practice was continued when Isaac became the father of Jacob, and when Jacob became the father of the twelve patriarchs of the Israelite nation.
"These patriarchs were jealous of their brother Joseph, and they sold him to be a slave in Egypt. But God was with him and rescued him from all his troubles. And God gave him favor before Pharaoh, king of Egypt. God also gave Joseph unusual wisdom, so that Pharaoh appointed him governor over all of Egypt and put him in charge of the palace."](https://img.heartlight.org/overlazy/creations/24673.jpg "Illustration of Acts 7:8-10 NLT — [Stephen continued his defense by reviewing some significant things in the lives of Israel's patriarchs:] \"God also gave Abraham the covenant of circumcision [when he gave Abraham the promises]. So when Abraham became the father of Isaac, he circumcised him on the eighth day. And the practice was continued when Isaac became the father of Jacob, and when Jacob became the father of the twelve patriarchs of the Israelite nation.
\"These patriarchs were jealous of their brother Joseph, and they sold him to be a slave in Egypt. But God was with him and rescued him from all his troubles. And God gave him favor before Pharaoh, king of Egypt. God also gave Joseph unusual wisdom, so that Pharaoh appointed him governor over all of Egypt and put him in charge of the palace.\"")
About This Devotional
Unstoppable! is a one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage, a reflection and a prayer. The reflection opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges one to live for Jesus.
Unstoppable! is written by Phil Ware.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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