Lord,
today I reflect on the first martyr of the Church—
Saint Stephen,
who received death
for Your glory.

I know You only give us
what we are able to shoulder,
and honestly, Lord,
I do not think I could have done
what Stephen did.

His courage humbles me.
His faith challenges me.

So today, I ask for courage,
the courage to stand for You
in the small moments,
when I am questioned,
misunderstood,
or challenged.

Give me strength, Lord,
to remain faithful,
even when it costs me comfort,
approval,
or ease.

Dec 26, Feast of St Stephen