Steadfastness

Have you ever started something with great gusto and then lost steam somewhere in the middle? Maybe it’s too much work, there are too many setbacks and distractions, you lose sight of the goal, or you stop believing that it’s even possible to finish. You’re not alone; I’m right there with you.

Pastor Ben at Faith Alive reminds us that it’s an age-old problem. He says, “It is not just to start a thing or journey with God that matters but to stand firm and hold fast to the end. Many Israelites started with Moses from Egypt with songs of praise to God, but a majority could not hold fast to the faith and God that moved them out of Egypt, and so fell by the wayside in the wilderness.

“Steadfastness is the key factor to any kind of victory we would have in the Lord. It brings about endurance which in turn produces the character of Christ in us. It places the crown of glory on our head, for it is the only quality that will give birth to faithfulness in our calling and services. To wear the crown, we are expected to be faithful. To wear the crown we are expected to endure to the end. But without steadfastness, faithfulness and endurance become difficult to attain.”

Each month, Faith Alive focuses on one spiritual theme and bible verse that is preached daily with staff and patients. This month’s theme is steadfastness, based on 1 Corinthians 15:58. “Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. 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.” (NIV)

I don’t know about you, but the only way I can be steadfast for God is to stay close by His side by praying, reading the bible, participating in corporate worship, and singing His praises (literally and figuratively). When I start to lose steam for something that I feel He’s called me to do, I need to just put one foot in front of the other and trust in God’s strength for the power to continue.

Thanks, Pastor Ben, for the encouraging reminder that the destination is worth the long journey.

(Photo is of Pastor Ben with his wife and two children.)