Do you know what it means to be steadfast? Dictionary.com states, it's unwavering, resolution, faith, attachment, etc. Doesn't that make you think for a moment? How often are you steadfast in your belief that Jesus is God's Son, that God exists and that He sent His only Son for our sins? Or maybe we should take the Bible into hand. Is what is written in the word, honest, true and lasting for all time?
When I think of steadfast, I think of Paul. Maybe it's because he had to endure prison and spread the Gospel at the same time. Or maybe it's David. He really messed some things up with Bathsheba but then he took his consequences and became a man after God's own heart.
Not many in the Bible were truly steadfast. They wavered with circumstances, especially the disciples but in the end they remained steadfast in their faith. I'm comforted that not even the men that walked with Jesus remained steadfast in Him. It gives me a little room to grow, don't you think? Even they cried out on the boat, Peter didn't want to walk on the sea, and Timothy totally doubted.
Are we called to remain steadfast in Him? I believe so. Of course, we can't do this if we don't understand Him, pray to Him, read His word and experience Him. We must be tested and challenged so when our boat starts rocking, we remain still and steadfast in His love. We know He exists because we claim Him as our Savior but do we believe in the power that He represents?
Our lives have been mapped out since the day we were born. He is constantly molding us into the women He needs us to be. The vessels that do the best are those that believe in Him and rarely waver. I say rarely because everyone wavers. We are all like stalks of wheat and when the wind hits us we bend ever so gently but then we stand still and feast in the light of our Lord.
I think we are being called to remain steadfast in Him so that others that are watching can see our passion, our patience, our faith. We are called to unite and encourage one another. There's nothing wrong if you're bouncing all around, feeling lonely and just don't see God, because we do! We can lift you up, we can tell you He's here and we will stand by you in prayer, filling in the gap so that once again you can stand steadfast in Him.
I used to be that shock of wheat, whipping in the wind. If things didn't go exactly to plan, I wavered. For a time, I walked away from church, from people and from God. I didn't deny Him but I walked away. He didn't fix my marriage and I was so angry. Wasn't He a God that heard prayers? I cried out to Him and nothing changed. So, I walked away from everything I loved. I wavered and I suffered. Walking away from Jesus was like me losing a piece of my heart. But do you know what I found out, He never left me. I walked away and He pursued me. Really? Yes, He did. He put people in my path that asked me to church, He brought me to a place I had to run to Him and He loved me even when I walked away, immersed in self-pity and no faith. He brought me to the end of myself so that I could be with Him. I'll never forget the Christmas I sat in church and weeped. I'm not a crier. I don't like to cry and I learned long ago I had to be strong for everyone around me. But Jesus knew that my tears would renew my heart and my relationship with Him. So, I sat there and weeped. I asked Him to forgive me and He loved me right there.
Miracles happened after that day. My marriage was restored. My children no longer had to go to two homes and my life became a journey of believing that Jesus was enough. It wasn't easy and I'm still working on being steadfast in Him but He helps me and I am so thankful for His desire to want me. Even when people abandon you, Jesus loves you and wants you. I take comfort in that, don't you?
Psalm 51:10 NKJV:
Create in me a pure heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
1 Corinthians 7:37 NKJV:
Nevertheless he who stands steadfast in his heart, having no necessity, but has power over his own will...
My prayer today:
O, Lord, You are mighty. We waver like the wheat and you pursue us and still our hearts. You know each one of us by name. You call upon us individually and you steer us on the path of Your choice. You have given each of us gifts and You use them to love Your people. Help us all unite and be of one heart, a heart that yearns for You. We are lost but in the darkness, You come before us and ask us to follow You, and hopefully, we do. You are steadfast in all things. Your words are true, Your heart is pure and Your power is magnificent. We owe You our lives, so we come before You asking You to make us steadfast in You, renew our hearts and give us the courage to shout that You are Lord. We desire to know You better, to walk with You more and to be the women You created us to be. Protect our families as You steer our coarse and show us every day the hurting, the lonely, and the lost. Bring women to us that need a Savior and help us to show them the love You have shown us. You are our King! In Jesus name, AMEN
Until tomorrow...
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