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THE SURROGATE JOURNEY: BIRTHING PURPOSE THROUGH OTHERS.  PART 3: THE WEIGHT OF THE WOMB — WHEN CARRYING GETS COMPLICATED Genesis 16:5–6 Then Sarai said to Abram, ‘You are responsible for the wrong I am suffering. I put my servant in your arms, and now that she knows she is pregnant, she despises me.’ Then Sarai mistreated Hagar; so she fled from her.” (NIV) šŸ” Quick Recap: In Part 2 , we met Hagar, the Egyptian servant chosen by Sarai to carry her child. Though not her dream, not her plan, and not her baby—she became the carrier of a promise she didn’t initiate. We learned how sometimes we are called to be the “other woman” in someone else’s destiny story—carrying, serving, interceding, and pushing someone else’s dream forward. šŸ¤° The Blessing that Brought Bitterness Hagar became pregnant. She was carrying the long-awaited seed. She should have been celebrated. But instead… she was mistreated. The one who chose her now chased her. The one who needed her now neglected her. The woman...
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THE UNSTAINED GARMENT: CHOOSING PURITY OVER COMPROMISE PART 17

THE UNSTAINED GARMENT: CHOOSING PURITY OVER COMPROMISE PART 17


Revelation 3:4-5

4. “Yet there are some in the church in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes with evil. They will walk with me in white, for they are worthy.

5. All who are victorious will be clothed in white. I will never erase their names from the Book of Life, but I will announce before my Father and his angels that they are mine


Welcome to Part 17 of our series, The Unstained Garment: Choosing Purity Over Compromise.

In this chapter, we continue The Call to Stand Firm: Lessons from the Faithful by reflecting on Stephen’s unwavering faith during his martyrdom. His bold witness and steadfast commitment to Christ, even in the face of death, inspire us to stand firm in our faith regardless of life’s trials.


The Call to Stand Firm: Lessons from the Faithful

Stephen’s Martyrdom:

Stephen stood firm in his faith, even when it cost him his life. Filled with the Holy Spirit, he boldly proclaimed the truth of Christ, even as he faced fierce opposition. His vision of Jesus at the right hand of God strengthened him, and he chose forgiveness over bitterness, praying for his attackers even as he was stoned (Acts 7:54–60).


Just as the ermine would rather face death than allow its spotless coat to be stained, Stephen chose to stand firm in his faith, even when confronted with persecution and death. His unwavering commitment to Christ reminds us that spiritual purity and faithfulness are worth any cost. Like the ermine, Stephen valued his spiritual “garment” more than his life, leaving behind a powerful legacy of courage, forgiveness, and unwavering faith.


Standing firm in faith requires surrendering our lives fully to Christ, even when the cost is high. Like Stephen, we are called to trust God’s promises and remain faithful in every circumstance.


REFLECTION:

Are there areas in your life where compromise seems easier than conviction? Stephen’s life challenges us to examine the value we place on our spiritual integrity. What legacy of faith are you building in your moments of trial?



This week, choose one area where you've felt pressure to compromise. Pray over it and take a bold step of faith—whether it’s speaking the truth, forgiving someone, or resisting temptation. Let your spiritual garment remain unstained.


PRAYER:

Lord, strengthen me to stand firm in my faith, no matter the trials I face. Help me to value my relationship with You above all else and live boldly for Your glory. Amen.


šŸ“ŒLet’s Talk:

What part of Stephen’s story speaks to you the most? Have you ever had to take a stand for your faith when it wasn't easy? Share your thoughts—we grow stronger when we stand together.

Thank you!



Prince Julius Nenebi-Darkson 

(EL-PJ God's penman)

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