Daily Worship (March 9)

Acts 7:54–60 (NIV)
"When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 'Look,' he said, 'I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.' At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. 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."

Devotional Thought:
Stephen's martyrdom vividly illustrates the painful cost of gospel faithfulness. Stephen, empowered by the Holy Spirit, boldly proclaimed God's truth even when it cost him his life. In this moment of extreme pain, Stephen saw the glory of God clearly and experienced profound peace, praying even for those who persecuted him. His suffering was not wasted; it served God's sovereign purpose by scattering believers and spreading the gospel. Just as Stephen faced persecution yet remained steadfast, we too can trust God’s sovereign plan when we encounter trials and opposition in our own lives. Like Stephen, our faithfulness in pain can lead to unimaginable gains for God’s kingdom. God never wastes our suffering; He redeems it for His eternal purposes. Stephen's example encourages us to respond with grace under pressure, forgiveness in hurt, and confidence in God’s control. When we experience hardship, particularly because of our faithfulness to Christ, we can find comfort knowing that God is at work, bringing about gain from our pain.

COMMA Questions:

• Context: How does Stephen’s response to persecution reflect his character and trust in God?
• Observation: What do you notice about Saul’s presence during Stephen’s martyrdom?
• Meaning: Why do you think Stephen prayed forgiveness for those who were killing him?
• Meditation: Have you ever experienced suffering or opposition because of your faith? How did you respond?
• Application: How can Stephen’s example of forgiveness influence your attitude toward those who mistreat you?

Prayer:
Lord, help us to remain faithful even in painful times. Like Stephen, may we trust in Your sovereign purpose and extend grace to those who oppose us. Strengthen our faith to see Your glory clearly, even in our hardest moments. Amen.

Acts 8:4–8 (NIV)
"Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah there. When the crowds heard Philip and saw the signs he performed, they all paid close attention to what he said. For with shrieks, impure spirits came out of many, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. So there was great joy in that city."

Devotional Thought: 
When persecution scattered the early church, it seemed like a disaster. Believers lost homes, safety, and community. Yet God had a sovereign purpose: the scattering became an opportunity for the gospel to go further than ever before. Philip’s ministry in Samaria is a powerful reminder of how God transforms painful circumstances into opportunities for His kingdom. Philip, forced to flee Jerusalem, didn’t retreat into fear; instead, he courageously preached Christ, bringing healing, deliverance, and great joy. His faithful obedience in the midst of suffering resulted in a city transformed by the gospel. Similarly, our times of pain, disappointment, and difficulty can become seasons of surprising fruitfulness. When hardships push us out of our comfort zones, God often positions us exactly where He wants us to bring hope to others. Like Philip, we are invited to look beyond our immediate pain to see opportunities for the gospel. Embrace your challenges as part of God’s sovereign plan—knowing that He never wastes our suffering but transforms it into joy and eternal gain.

COMMA Questions:
Context: How does persecution in Jerusalem lead directly to Philip’s fruitful ministry?
Observation: What specific actions of Philip brought great joy to the city?
Message: What does this passage teach about how God can use our suffering?
Main Idea: What truth about God’s sovereignty do we see in Philip’s ministry?
Application: In what painful situation might God be calling you to courageously step out and share Christ?

Prayer:
Father, remind us that You have a good purpose even in our hardest trials. Give us boldness to share Christ joyfully, knowing our suffering can lead to great spiritual gain. Amen.

Acts 8:34–39 (NIV)
"The eunuch asked Philip, 'Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?' Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, 'Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?' And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing."

Devotional Thought:
In this passage, Philip’s divinely guided meeting with the Ethiopian eunuch reveals God’s sovereign plan at work behind our suffering. Philip, displaced by persecution, encounters an Ethiopian official—someone culturally and geographically distant—who is eager to understand God’s Word. Through Philip’s faithful explanation of Scripture, the Ethiopian comes to faith, is baptized, and returns to Africa carrying the message of Christ. God’s grace guided Philip’s steps, turning the painful situation of persecution into a divine appointment for gospel expansion. This story reminds us that God directs our paths even through unexpected and difficult circumstances. Just as He sovereignly orchestrated Philip’s encounter, God orchestrates our own lives for eternal impact. When life feels confusing, painful, or uncertain, we can trust that God’s grace is guiding us, often in ways we cannot yet see. Let this encourage us to be sensitive to opportunities God places in our path, believing that He is working good purposes—even gospel gain—from our experiences of pain.

COMMA Questions:

• Context: How did God use Philip’s suffering to place him exactly where He wanted him?
• Observation: What motivated the Ethiopian official to respond so eagerly?
• Message: What does Philip’s interaction reveal about the Holy Spirit’s role in evangelism?
• Main Idea: How does this passage show the sovereignty of God at work even in challenging circumstances?
• Application: How can you remain open to God’s unexpected opportunities in your life, especially during difficult times?

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for guiding us through pain toward Your good purposes. Help us recognize and faithfully respond to divine opportunities, trusting Your grace to lead and strengthen us. Amen.