The Stoning Of Stephen

As my small son played in his bath tonight, I opened my bible and continued my journey through the book of Acts. I read the story of Stephen and his great faith and commitment to Christ even to the point of death. I felt honoured to be in his presence as I read his story. I spoke his name out loud hoping that my voice would reach him in heaven. I thanked him for his example to me. (I don't know how doctrinally sound that was, but I did it anyways.) When I was done, I was struck by this thought: How will I be remembered when I am gone? Will I have lived a life that will honour God and be a testimony to others? Will anyone speak my name out loud and testify that I brought glory to the Father? Will God look over at me in heaven and say that I was a good soldier for Him? And then I thought about the battle I am in right now and my hurt and struggles and I wondered how this story will end? Will it please God, the way I fought this fight? Will others say that they saw God's grace through my suffering? That is my prayer. As I crawl under the quilt tonight, I will ask the Father to help me be a bright light for Him and I will thank Him for this struggle if it will in some way glorify Him.