SOMETIMES, WE JUST NEVER KNOW.

Our lives can speak volumes about FAITH.  Others may see us in what they think are hopeless circumstances, the ultimate misery, and want to disassociate themselves to us because of the pain involved.  Then they see us going to Church with our family, rejoicing and giving thanks.  They realize the "moment" is all any of us have.  The way we live in adverse circumstances can speak of "THE GLORY OF GOD" in our lives; far more than any sermon or words.  Stephen, fixed his eyes intently on heaven and saw the magnificence and splendor of the presence of GOD; (Acts 7:55).  He looked beyond his Faith into the FACE OF GOD!  All of this happened while Saul (later to be the Apostle Paul) stood by and not only watched but perpetuated the "stoning of Stephen".  Later in his life, the Apostle Paul talks about the impact Stephen's death, and the way he died, had upon his life, (Acts 22:20).  Yes, Stephen lived beyond his circumstances and FAITH, and inspired  others to want what he had; SOMETIMES WE JUST NEVER KNOW.