When Stephen spoke, he gave his accusers the gospel--in the context of history. He started with father Abraham. In Genesis, Abraham's faith is characterized by obedience to God's word and belief in God's promises. He believed that his descendants would possess the promised land, even though he owned no land and had no children. He accepted God's plan to train his descendants in Egypt for 400 years, and sealed God's covenant with circumcision.

Because of their jealousy, the patriarchs (Joseph's brothers) sold Joseph as a slave into Egypt. But God was with Joseph. He gave him wisdom and turned his adversity into victory. Through Joseph, God accomplished the first part of his plan, and brought Abraham's descendants to Egypt, so that they might grow into a great multitude. During that time, they held on to God's promise to give them the land though they suffered as slaves (16).

Do you find it hard to see what God is doing? Like Abraham and Joseph, we must trust in his promises, live by faith, and believe he will bless those who obey him (Ge 12:2,3).
Application: Father, help me to obey your word, believe your promises, and trust you in times of adversity.
One Word: God keeps his promise to those who live by faith and obey him