Steadfast

It was just a word that was used in a prayer last week:  STEADFAST.  Not a word that is used very often, but I think you will agree that when you do hear it, it implies something solid as a characteristic of someone or description of a worthy stance that is taken towards something of value. The word itself means resolute, strong, sturdy, robust, solid, dependable and courageous, to name just a few of the adjectives.  

But as thought through this one little word I was convicted that that is something I need to strive to adhere to a steadfast trust in God and his working in my life as he allows the various circumstances to be part of my life adventure.   Not be wishy washy and let emotions offset what I know to be true. And that is:  God himself is steadfast. No rocking his boat, no wondering if he’s got the wrong girl when he calls upon me to do something, or if he is not answering my prayers because he is not paying attention, or if he is just testing me through uncertainties and trials without any true oversight or desire for my best through his plans.  Being steadfast in my faith is trusting God no matter how chaotic life may be.. 

He will take us through the storm. Spurgeon: “God’s steadfast love is a tonic to your drooping spirits, a golden ointment to your bleeding wounds, a heavenly bandage to your broken bones, a royal chariot for your weary feet, a bosom of love for your trembling heart.” I love that quote and the analogies that he uses.  For we often do have drooping spirits and deep wounds and broken bones and a weary feet and a trembling heart… what a sweet reflection of how God’s pours out His love upon us…all the time, in so many different ways.  

In Isaiah 26:3 it says: You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.

Being steadfast is being calm and steady and even tempered despite circumstances… or relationships or burdens or a crazy mixed-up world that is swirling about us.  Joyce Meyer says that a steadfast person can give the devil a nervous breakdown… I say it can give us a breakthrough.  The stronger we build our faith the more we will be able to maintain a steadfastness that keeps us from reacting to every little harassing thing the enemy sends our way.  We will not be upset, afraid, impressed, give up or moved if we are steadfast in our faith and trust in God.  

God has given each of us, through the blood of his son Jesus, a power to overcome the swirls of the enemy’s assaults and keep our sights set on the victory that is to come through God’s love and glory and grace.  Be steadfast in your faith and let the peace of God hover over you and within you no matter what you may be facing today. 

1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. (Be steadfast) Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Psalm 51:10Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Proverbs 4:26 Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways.1 Peter 5:10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

Praise God wherever you are and whatever situation He has allowed you to be in . . . His glory will shine through!

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