So Stephen believed in God and the resurrection of Jesus Christ -- he spoke boldly about this & wasn't afraid of what he stood on trial for. He went into it fully knowing it may cost him his life.
And so it did.
Yet afterwards -- how does Saul respond? He just killed a big advocate of Christ. Yet his response (Acts 8:3) seems that he feels threatened.
Acts 8:3 "But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison."
It's not enough that he stoned a innocent man to death. He must kill more.
Yet -- why didn't Saul feel victorious from killing Stephen? Why did he still feel threatened?
Those he attacks respond in a way that's still not understandable. Instead of them cowering away in their fear -- they continue to preach. Saul at this point should feel confused right? I knock them down but they get back. I try to shut them up but they still talk. Is there anything that can stop them?
Why?
Wouldn't this cause you to question the God those people believe in? Is he really holy? Is be really good? Is he really worth it?
Our struggle with hardship is ultimately a reflection of our faith in the God who brings the hardship and our ability to say:
"Even though I go through this _____
He is still good."
Our lives should be lived in such a way that people are confused for our ability to have faith. The enemy can knock us down but also be perplexed at our ability to get back up and say, "You can't stop me. My God is worth it and even in this -- I will continue to praise him."
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