Unstoppable! 'Genuine Sorrow' — Acts 8:1-4

Monday, April 21, 2025

Fall Ministry Update & Donation Drive

See how God is using our shared efforts to bless people around the world.

 Read the Update

Saul was one of the witnesses [to Stephen's being stoned to death], and he agreed completely with the killing of Stephen.

A great wave of persecution began that day, sweeping over the church in Jerusalem; and all the believers except the apostles were scattered through the regions of Judea and Samaria. (Some devout men came and buried Stephen with great mourning.) But Saul was going everywhere to destroy the church. He went from house to house, dragging out both men and women to throw them into prison.

— Acts 8:1-4 NLT

Key Thought

While we have looked at victorious faith over the last few days, we must not minimize the grief faced by those left behind when someone they love dies. John's disciples, along with his cousin Jesus, mourned John the Baptizer's death. Jesus wept at Martha's and Mary's grief and reacted with deep emotion to the pain that Lazarus' death caused in those who knew him. In our eternal relationship with Jesus, death is a moment; life with Jesus is forever. That moment of death, however, is agonizing for those of us left behind. We must deal with the loss of someone we love. We have to deal with death even when it feels unfair and capricious. Jesus' resurrection empowers us past the fear of death, but the Lord's tears are our reminder never to minimize the pain death brings.

Today's Prayer

Precious Father, please bless those who are on my heart because of the grief they bear. Use me to be a blessing and a source of encouragement and comfort. However, dear Father, I ask that you give me wisdom not to say anything that might be hurtful or might minimize the loss they feel. Please pour out your comfort into their hearts through the Holy Spirit. I ask for your grace to be their peace. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

12 Related Resources by Heartlight

Saddened and Scattered
Devo: Together in Christ
"Saul was one of the witnesses, and he agreed completely with the killing of Stephen. A great wave of persecution began that day, sweeping over..."
Savagery and Solidarity
Devo: Unstoppable!
"Saul was one of the witnesses, and he agreed completely with the killing of Stephen. A great wave of persecution began that day, sweeping over....."
The Tumbleweed Phenomenon
Devo: Unstoppable!
"Saul was one of the witnesses, and he agreed completely with the killing of Stephen. A great wave of persecution began that day, sweeping over....."
Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes
Article by Tim Woodroof
Do you feel as if our world has completely changed in its attitude toward faith? Tim Woodroof of Interim Ministry Partners shares the introductory article on changes facing the church today and comparing it to the early church we find in the book of Acts.
See All 12 Related Resources about Acts 8:1-4

Illustration

Illustration of Acts 8:1-4 NLT — Saul was one of the witnesses [to Stephen's being stoned to death], and he agreed completely with the killing of Stephen. A great wave of persecution began that day, sweeping over the church in Jerusalem; and all the believers except the apostles were scattered through the regions of Judea and Samaria. (Some devout men came and buried Stephen with great mourning.) But Saul was going everywhere to destroy the church. He went from house to house, dragging out both men and women to throw them into prison.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Monday, April 21, 2025

Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'To Live Is Christ' (Ph. 1:20-26)
"Dear Father, Fill us with courage so that Christ will be honored in our bodies, whether by life or by death. For us to live is Christ, to die is..."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Psalm 84:12
"O Lord Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'A Living Hope'
"Dear Faithful One, Life is full of challenges when you are bound to the realities of mortality. I know, not just because I AM God, but also because I..."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
2 Peter 3:18
"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen."

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.

More Unstoppable!