Having started my walk with Christ a little late in life, my career was already established, my marriage was already on solid foundation, and my children were well on their way to becoming responsible adults. Naturally, as the fire entered my bones and my devotion to follow Christ began, I started to evaluate my morality, my foundational beliefs and my contribution to this world. As most men do, I relate a great deal of my self-worth and identity to my occupation. This seems to be standard in our society. When men first meet, often the first question is, “what do you do?” Having spent twenty plus years in the glamorous world of Property Tax, I struggled to find my relevance or my contribution to God’s kingdom. How could this possibly be the plan for my life? I spent months in self reflection, feeling compelled to change careers and find what it is that God is really calling me to. And then I met Stephen.
If you were to meet Stephen at a dinner party, and as most men do, ask him, “what do you do?” Stephen’s reply would have been, “I am a waiter”. Because we often associate our worth to our careers, Stephen, the waiter, would seem insignificant. And to most, when you read Stephen’s story in the Bible, you might gloss right over his significance of his role. (Acts 6:2-3,5)
This was a time where a number of disciples were concerned about the Jewish community’s treatment of their widows. They brought their concerns to the Apostles and they were told to appoint 7 men to serve the widows and ensure they were included in the meal distribution. Stephen was one of the 7 appointed. He was, however, the only one of the seven mentioned as being “full of faith and of the Holy Spirit”. Later, it was noted that Stephen “did great wonders and signs among the people”. There is no indication that he vacated his post as waiter to the widows. So, I believe he was doing miracles among his mundane duties, or in addition to his “day job”. In fact, he was so powerfully making a difference that the local officials found it necessary to shut him up. And when he was forced to defend himself in front of the high priest, Stephen delivers the longest recorded sermon in the book of Acts. Not Peter, not Paul, not any of the apostles – but Stephen the waiter.
Never underestimate God’s ability to use small, seemingly insignificant assignments to set the stage for significant impact.
Because Stephen’s heart was filled with faith, his impact on the world was greater than he could have ever imagined (Proverbs 4:23). He didn’t get bogged down in feeling like his contribution wouldn’t matter, that it was not enough. He simply did, he simply acted in faith and made an impact through spreading love and truth to everyone he encountered, including the widows that society seemingly forgotten (1 John 3:18). Because of Stephens actions and faith and that convicting sermon in front of the high priest, the ensuing persecution forces the church out of Judea and into Samaria and eventually into Gentile territory. It is literally the spawn of a worldwide movement that is still alive today. And it all started with waiting tables for widows.
I find great encouragement and comfort from Stephen and his story. Because I often feel insignificant in this world. I often feel like I am not enough to really bring glory to God through my life. I often feel so tired and beat down from the seemingly insignificant work in my job. Like there is no more energy to offer for God’s kingdom. But Stephens story reminds me that if I trust in God and remain faithful, He will strengthen me and add power to His promise for my path. (Isaiah 40:31)
Stephen also reminds me that there are no insignificant pieces or parts to God’s plan. I am a chosen child of God – there is nothing insignificant about that. I need to remember to trust His plan and look for the opportunities for greatness within the mundane.
Dadvotionals 