Acts 7:59
As they were stoning Stephen, he called out, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit."
Everything about Stephen's martyrdom is inspiring. The words of truth he was saying that led the people to force him out of the city and hurl the stones, the Christ-like words of mercy he prayed before he died and then of course the way he "fell asleep" in death. Peace. One would think that to be a witness to this event would've been life changing. But in verse 58 we read that Saul was there, looking on, guarding everyone's stuff while they hurled stones.
I wonder if some of the other witnesses converted based on what they saw and heard. I would bet so, but not Saul. His heart was too hard and his pride was too great to allow the truth in. I doubt God was saying this because He knows everything, but if I were him I'd be saying, "C'mon man! What's it gonna take?" God knew what would happen on the road to Damascus and in Saul's encounter with Ananias who baptized him, but the rest of us would've given up on the guy.
If you've been praying for someone and trying your best to sincerely be a light in their life so a conversion will happen, remember Saul. Don't be so hard on yourself because it's not about your timing or what you're doing. Of course, what you're doing is important and necessary. Don't stop. But remember that the change of heart is between that person and God.
