Daily Devotional

Stephen was a gifted deacon, full of the Holy Spirit and blessed with wisdom, deep insight and the ability to see visions. In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus warns the crowds seeking Him that they must labour for food that endures (guarantees eternal life). Although Stephen was appointed to serve at tables (labour for perishable food), he understood that he had a higher calling. Stephen’s life exemplifies one who laboured for the food of eternal life

Like the two disciples, many of us become disappointed with God because we assume God’s kingdom is all about finding prosperity here on earth. The crowd met Jesus the next day and demanded another miracle of loaves and Jesus told them: “Do not labour for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life.” (John 6:27) At the end of the day, just because Jesus was not willing to give them ordinary bread to eat again, “many of his disciples (like these two disciples) drew back and no longer went about with him.” (John 6:66)

God knows how to write straight on crooked lines. The selection of deacons stemmed from the crisis that ensued over food. What the devil thought would bring an end to the church became an opportunity to discover great talents that would eventually succeed the apostles. St. Augustine says, “God will never allow His children to suffer unless it is because He wants to bring something good out of it.” If God permits a crisis in your life, know that He is planning something big.