The Ripple You’ll Never See

Sunday Rewind is a 5-day Devotional based on the weekly sermon at Resonate Community Church

June 28th Sermon, Day 4

Stephen was being stoned to death. In his final moments, he didn't curse his killers. He prayed that God would not hold their sin against them. It was a prayer of extraordinary faith, and Stephen never lived to see the answer. One of the men watching that day was Paul, a fierce persecutor of Christians. But God was already at work. That moment, and the grace Stephen displayed in it, was part of a story much larger than Stephen could have known.

Paul eventually became one of the most influential voices for the gospel in all of history. Stephen never saw the change in Paul's heart. Yet God answered Stephen's prayers in ways He never could have imagined. This is one of the most encouraging truths about praying for your enemies. You may never see the outcome. The person may never change in front of you. But your prayer declares to God that no one is beyond His reach. It is a prayer of faith, and God takes those seriously. You are not responsible for the results. You are responsible for the faithfulness. Trust God with what happens next. He has a track record of doing the impossible.

Bible Verse

"When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly." - 1 Peter 2:23

Reflection Question

Is there someone in your life you have stopped praying for because you haven't seen any change, and what would it look like to trust God with the outcome one more time?

Quote

"Stephen never saw the change in Paul's heart. Yet God answered Stephen's prayers in ways He never could have imagined."

Prayer

God, help me to be faithful in prayer even when I cannot see what You are doing. Remind me that You are always at work, even in the moments that feel silent. Amen.