Glowing Through Trials: Radiating Christ's Light in Suffering

Devotional

Day 1: Glowing Through Persecution: Power in the Midst of Trials

When persecution arises, it is not meant to stop the power of God but often becomes the very catalyst for His power to be released in greater measure. The early church experienced both persecution and power simultaneously, with miracles, salvations, and boldness increasing even as opposition intensified. As believers, we are reminded that the gates of hell cannot prevail against the church, and that when the enemy comes in, the Spirit of the Lord raises a standard. Instead of shrinking back, we are called to count it all joy when we face trials, knowing that God can turn every attack into an opportunity for His glory and our growth. Will you allow your faith to shine brighter when the stones of life are thrown your way? [03:38]

Acts 6:8-15 (ESV)
And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people. Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and disputed with Stephen. But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking. Then they secretly instigated men who said, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” And they stirred up the people and the elders and the scribes, and they came upon him and seized him and brought him before the council, and they set up false witnesses who said, “This man never ceases to speak words against this holy place and the law, for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses delivered to us.” And gazing at him, all who sat in the council saw that his face was like the face of an angel.

Reflection: When you face opposition or criticism for your faith, how can you respond in a way that allows God’s power to be seen more clearly through you today?

Day 2: Forgiveness Flows from a Glimpse of Jesus

True forgiveness, especially in the face of injustice or pain, is only possible when we fix our eyes on Jesus and remember the forgiveness He has extended to us. Stephen, as he was being stoned, looked up and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and from that place of divine perspective, he was able to pray for his persecutors. When we see Jesus—His humility, His suffering, His willingness to forgive even those who crucified Him—we are empowered to choose forgiveness over bitterness, to let go of vengeance, and to let our wounds glow with the light of Christ. Forgiveness detoxifies our soul and brings us into a place of rest, freeing us from the power of those who have hurt us. [20:07]

Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV)
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Reflection: Who is one person you need to forgive today, and how might looking to Jesus help you take a step toward releasing that hurt?

Day 3: Living for God’s Glory, Not Just Deliverance

The ultimate goal of the believer is not merely to get through trials or to be delivered from hardship, but to bring glory to God in every circumstance. Stephen lived in such a way that he received a standing ovation from Jesus Himself, showing us that God is most pleased when our lives are offered as a sacrifice for His purposes. Whether in success or suffering, health or hardship, our objective is to honor God, to let our light shine, and to live for an audience of One. When we make God’s glory our aim, we find meaning and purpose that transcends our circumstances, and we inspire others to do the same. [29:53]

1 Corinthians 10:31 (ESV)
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

Reflection: In what specific area of your life can you shift your focus from seeking comfort or success to seeking God’s glory today?

Day 4: The Power of Intercession: Your Glow Impacts Eternity

When we choose to glow through our trials—responding with forgiveness and prayer for those who hurt us—we become part of God’s eternal story. Stephen’s prayer, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them,” was answered in the conversion of Saul, who became Paul and wrote much of the New Testament. Our willingness to pray for our enemies and to let our wounds shine with Christ’s love can have ripple effects far beyond what we see, impacting generations and advancing God’s kingdom in ways we may never fully know. [42:36]

Acts 7:59-60 (ESV)
And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Reflection: Is there someone who has wronged you that you can pray for today, asking God to bless and transform their life?

Day 5: Letting Your Wounds Glow: Healing for You and Others

The call to “glow through it” is not just about personal victory, but about allowing your wounds to become a source of healing and testimony for others. Just as Jesus’ wounds brought healing to the world, and Stephen’s glowing forgiveness led to the salvation of many, your willingness to let your light shine in dark places can bring hope, healing, and glory to God. When you refuse to repay evil with evil and instead overcome evil with good, you fulfill your calling as a follower of Christ, showing forth His praise and inviting others into His marvelous light. [46:40]

1 Peter 2:21-24 (ESV)
For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.

Reflection: How can you let your wounds and struggles become a testimony that brings healing and encouragement to someone else this week?

Sermon Summary

In the journey of faith, the call is not merely to endure hardship or simply make it through trials, but to radiate the light of Christ in the midst of them—to glow through it. Looking at the life and martyrdom of Stephen in Acts 6 and 7, we see a powerful example of someone who, even as he was being unjustly persecuted and stoned, allowed the glory of God to shine through him. His face shone like an angel, not because he was delivered from suffering, but because he was filled with the Holy Spirit and had his eyes fixed on Jesus. This is the invitation for every believer: to let our wounds, our hardships, and our darkest moments become places where the light of Christ is most visible.

Persecution and power often arrive together. The early church experienced both in abundance, and rather than being diminished by opposition, the power of God was released all the more. When we face opposition, criticism, or even betrayal—especially from those close to us or within the faith community—our response matters deeply. The stones that come our way may not be physical, but the wounds can be just as real. Yet, the objective is not just to survive or to be vindicated, but to let the character and love of Christ be revealed through us.

Stephen’s response to his persecutors was not bitterness or retaliation, but forgiveness. He caught a glimpse of Jesus, standing at the right hand of God, and prayed for his enemies even as they took his life. This act of forgiveness was not only a release for Stephen, but it became a catalyst for God’s greater story—paving the way for Saul’s (Paul’s) conversion and the spread of the gospel. When we choose to forgive, we detoxify our souls and enter into God’s rest, refusing to let the actions of others dictate our destiny.

Ultimately, the goal is not self-preservation or comfort, but to bring glory to God in all circumstances. Whether in victory or suffering, our lives are to be offerings on God’s altar, lived for His applause alone. When we glow through our trials, we become part of God’s eternal story, allowing our wounds to be places of healing and testimony for others. The world is watching—not just to see if we get through, but to see if we glow through.

Key Takeaways

1. Persecution is often the context for God’s power to be revealed. When opposition arises, it is not a sign of God’s absence but an opportunity for His presence and power to be displayed more fully. The early church saw miracles and boldness increase in the face of persecution, reminding us that the gates of hell cannot prevail against the church. [03:38]
2. The wounds we receive—whether from enemies or those close to us—can become sources of healing and testimony if we allow Christ’s light to shine through them. Like the “angel glow” in wounded soldiers, our spiritual wounds can glow in the dark, bringing quicker healing and less spiritual death when we surrender them to God. [13:24]
3. Forgiveness is not just a command but a pathway to freedom and rest. When we catch a glimpse of Jesus and remember the forgiveness we have received, we are empowered to forgive others, detoxifying our souls and breaking the cycle of bitterness and retaliation. This is how we let our wounds glow and refuse to be overcome by evil. [20:07]
4. Living for God’s glory, not just for deliverance or personal victory, is the true aim of the Christian life. Our objective is to bring God glory in every circumstance, seeking His approval above all else. When we live for a standing ovation from Jesus, our trials become altars of worship and our lives become testimonies of His grace. [29:53]
5. When we glow through our trials, we become part of God’s eternal story, impacting generations beyond our own. Stephen’s prayer of forgiveness opened the door for Saul’s transformation and the writing of much of the New Testament. Our choice to forgive and shine in the darkness can have ripple effects we may never see, but which God uses for His redemptive purposes. [42:36]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[03:38] - Persecution and Power in the Early Church
[06:45] - The True Role of a Deacon
[08:30] - The Reality of Being Stoned for Christ
[11:02] - Saul’s Role and the Power of Paradigm Shifts
[13:24] - The Angel Glow: Healing in Woundedness
[16:50] - Glowing Through, Not Just Going Through
[20:07] - The Power of Forgiveness and Seeing Jesus
[23:57] - Misunderstanding Persecution and God’s Justice
[25:15] - What Vengeance Really Means
[26:34] - Overcoming Evil with Good
[28:06] - Forgiveness as Detox and Entering God’s Rest
[29:53] - Living for God’s Glory and a Standing Ovation
[34:04] - Living Hard for God, Not for Comfort
[38:25] - Jesus Stands: God’s Readiness to Intervene
[42:36] - Glowing Through and Shaping God’s Eternal Story
[45:19] - Christ’s Example: Letting Our Wounds Glow
[46:40] - Letting Your Light Shine in the Darkness

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Acts 6:8-15; Acts 7:54-60 — (Stephen’s ministry, persecution, and martyrdom)
- Hebrews 12:1-2
(“…let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus…”)
- 1 Peter 2:21-24
(Christ’s example in suffering and forgiveness)

Observation Questions

In Acts 6 and 7, what specific things do we see about Stephen’s character and actions as he faces persecution?
According to Acts 6:15, what was unusual about Stephen’s appearance as he stood before the council?
What did Stephen pray for as he was being stoned, and who was present and approving of his death?
In Hebrews 12:2, what are believers encouraged to do as they run their race of faith?

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Stephen’s face “shone like an angel” even as he was being falsely accused and attacked? What does this reveal about the source of his strength? [13:24]
The sermon says, “Persecution and power often arrive together.” How does the early church’s experience challenge our assumptions about suffering and God’s presence? [03:38]
Why is forgiveness described as a “detox” for the soul, and how does this connect to Stephen’s final prayer for his enemies? [28:06]
The sermon points out that Stephen’s act of forgiveness had ripple effects, including Saul’s (Paul’s) conversion. How does this shape our understanding of the impact our responses can have on others? [42:36]

Application Questions

The sermon challenges us not just to “get through” hard times, but to “glow through” them. Think of a recent hardship or wound in your life. What would it look like for you to let Christ’s light shine through you in that situation? [13:24]
Stephen forgave those who hurt him, even as he was dying. Is there someone in your life—maybe even within the church—who has wounded you? What would it take for you to pray for them and release them to God? [20:07]
The pastor said, “When we walk in bitterness, you’re toxifying your spirit.” Are there signs in your life that you might be holding onto bitterness? What is one step you can take this week to begin the process of forgiveness? [28:06]
The sermon asks, “Are you living for God’s glory, or just for your own comfort and deliverance?” What is one area of your life where you tend to seek comfort or vindication over God’s glory? How can you shift your focus this week? [29:53]
Stephen’s story shows that our response to suffering can have ripple effects for generations. Is there a difficult relationship or situation where you need to trust that God can use your obedience for a bigger story, even if you never see the results? [42:36]
The pastor described “angel glow” in wounded soldiers, where wounds that glowed healed faster. What are some practical ways you can let your “spiritual wounds” become places of healing and testimony for others? [13:24]
Hebrews 12:2 says to “look unto Jesus.” What is one distraction or habit that keeps you from fixing your eyes on Jesus during trials? How can you intentionally redirect your focus this week? [20:07]

Sermon Clips

Persecution does not stop the release of power. Or persecution causes the power of God to be released even more. And so as we see in the book of Acts, there's great persecution going on. But with that great persecution is the release of great power. Instead of less signs, wonders, and miracles, there are more signs, wonders, and miracles. Instead of less salvations, there are mass salvations. Instead of them no longer preaching in the name of Jesus, they are preaching bolder in the name of Jesus. [00:04:47] (30 seconds) #PowerThroughPersecution

The truth of the matter is everybody who is for God and everybody who is faithful to God and everybody who is committed to the cause of the gospel will experience stones in their life. The stones of somebody's cutting words or the stones of rumors and lies or the stones of our motives being questioned or the stones of insult, the stones of gossip. And sometimes these stones can be just as damaging and just as hurtful as real stones. [00:07:58] (27 seconds) #StonesOfFaith

If you are going to glow through it, you've got to get a glimpse of Jesus as you're going through it. Why so, Pastor? Well, because if you don't get a glimpse of Jesus, it's going to be hard for you to respond like Jesus wants you to respond. [00:16:42] (17 seconds) #GlimpseOfJesus

When you and I are being treated unfairly, when you and I are going through something, when you and I are experiencing the unexpected in our life, it's easy to harden our heart. It's easy for us to choose bitterness. It's easy for us to choose vengefulness. It's easy for us to choose to get nasty and unkind and to retaliate because forgiveness is difficult. It's not really that easy. [00:20:57] (25 seconds) #ChoosingForgiveness

Beloved, do not avenge yourself, but rather give place to wrath. For it is written, vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord. Come on, just be honest with me. Don't you like that scripture just a little bit? Right? You're like, well, I'm a Christian, so I can't retaliate like that, but I don't have to retaliate like that because God gave me a promise, and God said God's going to get them on my behalf. Attack God! [00:24:48] (27 seconds) #VengeanceIsGods

I learned that God has poured out his vengeance for all of the evil ever done in this world. That all of the evil I did, God poured out his vengeance on Jesus on that cross. And that God is not really asking me to step back so God can strike somebody. God is asking me to step back so that he can show somebody that their evil was punished on the cross of Christ. [00:25:23] (24 seconds) #CrossPaidVengeance

Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. This is talking about letting your wounds glow in the dark. It's talking about not repaying evil with evil. But how do I do that if I don't get a glimpse of Jesus? How do I do that? How do I glow? How do I allow my wounds to glow if I don't get a glimpse of the one who allowed his wounds to glow on my behalf? [00:27:06] (31 seconds) #LightThatGlows

If your objective is self -preservation, if your objective is comfort, and again, I'm not saying any of those things are bad, right? It's the objective that makes something whether it's bad or good. It's the objective that shifts the focus. The objective's got to be for thee, Lord, and for thee only do I live. [00:37:42] (26 seconds) #AdvocateInForgiveness

When we glow through it, we become part of God's eternal story. He looked up and he said, Lord, do not hold them with this charge. Do you ever ask yourself, why in the world did Jesus show up on the Damascus road and save Saul? Of all the people on the planet at that time who could have been hand -selected to write two -thirds of the New Testament, why in the world did he decide to show up and stop a man who was on his way to kill Christians who was public enemy number one of the church? And can I tell you the reason why? It's because Stephen glowed through it. [00:42:32] (47 seconds) #FollowChristsExample

The purpose of our life is to glow through it. It's not just to go through it. Thank God for deliverance. We believe in it. Thank God that he restores. We believe in it. Thank God that he's a healer. We believe in it. Thank God that he's a provider. We believe in it. Thank God he's all these things. Thank God that's his will for our lives. But it's not just so we can have those things. It's so that we can glow through it. Through it, are you allowing your wounds to glow in the dark? Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven. [00:46:34] (49 seconds)

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