City Life Starter

Written by Aisha Darwesh

The Word

“⁵⁴ Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. ⁵⁵ But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.” –Acts 7:55 ESV

“¹⁷ For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, ¹⁸ as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” –2 Corinthians 4:17-18 ESV

“² Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. ³ For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. ⁴ When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.”–Colossians 3:2-4 ESV

Aisha’s Analysis

Stephen’s story is one of courage, sacrifice, and ultimate surrender. While he suffered unfair treatment and martyrdom as a result of speaking the truth of the Gospel with boldness, he stood his ground because he gazed into heaven and saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God. This gives us a vital insight on how to endure suffering for the sake of Christ: set your eyes on heaven above. 

It is only from this perspective that suffering is put in its proper place–not something to be avoided at all costs to preserve one’s life (which is the most natural way to see it), but rather having an eternal perspective helps us to see suffering as a light, momentary affliction that prepares us for the eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison (See 2 Corinthians 4:17 above).

It’s so encouraging to realize there’s nothing we face on this earth that can diminish or rob us of what Christ has done for us. No amount of human suffering on this earth can take us away from Christ. As Stephen took a stand for Jesus, Jesus came standing at the right hand of God, ready to receive His faithful co-laborer. While Stephen did not get supernaturally delivered from being stoned, he did get to experience the surpassing presence of God right until the very end. His unglorious, unceremonious ending opened the door for the Gospel to be preached around the world by the most unlikely of people. 

Stephen’s stoning, while tragic and unjust, was not a defeat. It was a glorious beginning. It got people’s attention. This shows us that suffering with an eternal perspective not only allows us to endure suffering in a bearable way, but also opens the door for Christ to come on the scene in a powerful way.

Application

It may be difficult for you to endure suffering, and that’s totally normal. It’s not natural to seek a painful route. The only way to move towards pain is to see it from the right perspective. Once you set your gaze into heaven where you can hopefully spot Jesus standing at the right hand of God, the pain you are experiencing is simply a light momentary affliction.

Today, be encouraged in the truth that the eternal victory Jesus has won through His finished work on the cross is worth standing for under any circumstances. As you stand for Christ, may you set your gaze into heaven and experience God’s presence no matter the consequences. 

Prayer

Lord Jesus, I’m grateful to know You personally as my savior. If not for Your willingness to endure suffering, I would be completely separated from God forever. Thank You for laying down Your life in obedience to the Father. In the same way, I want to surrender my life completely to You. Have Your way in my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.