Jentezen Franklin Daily Devotional (October 4, 2025) Standing for Truth.
"And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death." Revelation 12:11 (NIV)
Martyrdom is a powerful example of living a life fully committed to God’s purpose, even in the face of death. When we read the story of Stephen in Acts 6 and 7, we see the first recorded martyr of the early church. He wasn’t an apostle or a prophet, but a man full of faith and filled with the Holy Spirit. He served where he was called, and he used his wisdom and courage to stand for truth, even when it made him a target.
Stephen’s life teaches us that sometimes God calls ordinary people to do extraordinary things. He engaged in debates, answered questions with clarity and grace, and he did it all rooted in love for God and people. His faith and integrity couldn’t be resisted, even by those who opposed him. And when the moment came for his life to be taken, Stephen didn’t curse his enemies. Instead, he prayed, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them” (Acts 7:60, NIV). Even in death, his heart was aligned with God’s will.
What’s remarkable is that Stephen’s death wasn’t the end—it was the beginning of a greater work. The man who oversaw his stoning, Saul of Tarsus, would later encounter Jesus and become the Apostle Paul. God used the faithfulness of one life—even in death—to impact a whole generation and beyond. Stephen’s martyrdom brought a new era of gospel spread. It reminds us that God can use our obedience, our courage, and even our suffering to draw others to Him.
You and I may never face literal stoning, but living boldly for Christ often comes with cost.
We might be ridiculed, misunderstood, or opposed for standing up for what is right. Yet the principle remains: God honors those who are willing to live fully for Him. He multiplies lives, influences generations, and turns sacrifice into revival.
Today, consider how your life is a testimony. Are you living in a way that reflects God’s love and truth? Are you willing to stand firm, even when it’s hard? Like Stephen, your faithfulness, your words, your actions can inspire, influence, and even save others. Every choice to live courageously for Christ echoes far beyond your own life.
Prayer: Lord, give me the courage of a martyr, the boldness to stand for truth, and a heart that loves You above all else. Help me to live faithfully, even when it’s hard, and to trust that You are using my life for Your kingdom. May my words, my actions, and my testimony be a light to others and a witness of Your power and love. Amen.
