Someone is Watching You

Do you ever wonder how God works? I mean, do you ever wonder how God chooses whom to bless and well, whom not to? Or maybe it’s our perspective that’s wrong?

It’s easy to get confused when you look at the landscape of great Christians in our western world.

They live in big houses, they attract great crowds. They are popular, they know how to deliver a message, they are usually good looking. Some are even funny. They seem to have it all: money, power, fame.

But turn your eyes away from the world for a second and fix them on God’s word. You will meet a man named Stephen. It says in Acts 6:8 that he was full of grace and power, doing great wonders and signs among the people. I don’t know how long the good days rolled, but end they did. It wasn’t long before those who were jealous of Stephen turned on him. In the scope of five verses the man goes from being a great and popular preacher to being thrown in prison. And in a couple of chapters, he dies – stoned for his faith in Christ and for preaching the gospel.

Wait a second…Stephen, the man who boldly proclaimed the name of Christ, is killed? That doesn’t sound fair. And I’m sorry, but where does God disappear when He’s needed the most? How come Stephen doesn’t get to publish a book and make lots of money and enjoy the blessings of obedience?

We have been brainwashed into believing that God’s signs of favor are earthly riches and fame and material blessing. Yet some of God’s greatest followers have been poor, persecuted and unpopular.

Where did we get it all wrong? When did we start believing that this life and the blessings we get in this life are all that matter? When did we stop believing in eternity and a life to come? When did we stop trusting that God knows best?

He knows who can handle how much. He knows what is needed when. He knows exactly what is best for every Christian at any specific point in time.

For some, it is the blessing of great earthly riches. Abraham falls into that category! For others, it is death by beheading, like John the Baptist – the greatest man ever born according to Jesus. For others yet, it is being falsely accused and stoned like Stephen was in Acts 7.

What we often overlook is the man standing in the corner, watching.

That man was the apostle Paul.

Are you in a season of blessing? Praise God. Enjoy it. Use it to bless others.

Are you in a season of waiting? Endure, persevere, be still.

Are you in a season of persecution? Rejoice.

You never know who could be watching.

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