When Inspiration Meets Preparation
- Baptist Daily Devotional
- Mar 21
- 2 min read
Rev. Tse Amable | March 21 2025 | Acts 7:1-3
KEY VERSE: To this he replied: “Brothers and fathers, listen to me! ….” Acts 7:2 (NIV)
MESSAGE: When the High Priest gave Stephen the opportunity to state his case, he delivered what seemed to be an “extempore” speech, an unwritten speech. We can attribute Stephen’s response to two powerful, combined sources: preparation and inspiration.
First, Stephen drew upon the wealth of knowledge stored in the scriptures of his heart to deliver this sermon. This is what I call “PREPARATION.” Second, it was also possible that Stephen received an instantaneous, inspired message directly from the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ promised his disciples that “when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. AT THAT TIME YOU WILL BE GIVEN WHAT TO SAY, FOR IT WILL NOT BE YOU SPEAKING, BUT THE SPIRIT OF YOUR FATHER SPEAKING THROUGH YOU” (Matthew 10:19-20).
The Holy Spirit can give you an inspired and extempore message in the circumstances Stephen found himself in. However, it is better to prepare thoroughly through Bible Study and prayer, as the scripture admonishes us in 2 Timothy 2:15 to do: “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth”.
When inspiration meets preparation, your confidence level goes higher.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Take time to study the word of God in preparation for life and ministry. Tune in to and depend on the Holy Spirit to speak through you and give you an inspired message when you need to speak to others.
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, I pray that you will make me a student of the Word of God who can rightly divide the Word of truth to my hearers. Let me also be open to the promptings and leadings of the Holy Spirit wherever and whenever I am called to speak as your witness. AMEN.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 80: Numbers 23-24 — Balaam’s Blessing Over Israel
DAILY word study: LISTEN
The Greek word used for listen in Acts 7:2 is ἀκούω (akouō), meaning to hear, to heed, or to understand. It implies not just physical hearing but active engagement and responsiveness.
When Stephen said, “Listen to me!” he wasn’t just demanding attention—he was calling for discernment. His words echo:
Deuteronomy 6:4—“Hear, O Israel” (Shema), a call to listen with obedience.
Matthew 17:5—God commands at Jesus’ transfiguration: “Listen to Him!”
Stephen’s bold address reflects both his preparation and the Holy Spirit’s guidance. He spoke not just from knowledge but with divine authority.
Reflection: Are we truly listening when God speaks? Do we respond with obedience, or do we merely hear without action?
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