Have you ever been in a high-pressure situation—maybe facing a tight deadline at work or having to make an unexpected, high-stakes decision? It’s often in those moments that we discover who we truly are.

Last week, we met Stephen, a leader in the Jerusalem church. He was chosen to help care for widows and preserve unity within the church. In Acts 6:8–7:60, Luke tells us more of Stephen’s story. Like other church leaders of his day, he is falsely accused, arrested, and put on trial. When questioned, he courageously stands firm in his convictions, even though doing so only intensifies the danger around him.

The situation escalates quickly, and a furious mob stones Stephen. Talk about a high-pressure moment.