How do you respond when those you trusted turn completely against you? Today on Day 161, we journey through intense seasons of betrayal, exile, and false accusations. In 2 Samuel, Absalom’s coup strikes the heart of the nation. King David is forced to abandon Jerusalem, weeping as he ascends the Mount of Olives while his top counselor defects to the enemy. Yet, even as rocks and curses are hurled at him, David refuses to retaliate, trusting entirely in the vindication of God.

In the book of Acts, a different kind of conspiracy arises. As the early church expands, a faithful, Spirit-filled servant named Stephen emerges to care for the needy and work great wonders. Driven by jealousy, religious opponents stir up a mob and bring false witnesses to drag Stephen before the high council, setting the stage for a historic defense of the gospel that ...