Steadfast
March 10th, 2009
definition: resolutely or dutifully firm and unwavering.
“…for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” jam 1:3b-4
“Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.” jam 5:11
“Mercy triumphs over judgment.” jam 13b
I can’t say that I’ve ever sought after the life of Job. Who wants those kind of trials? But, honestly, I don’t know why. Job had to persevere a lot and yet his faith never wavered. He was a man strong in steadfastness. Provers 19:22 says, “What is desired in a man is steadfast love, and a poor man is better than a liar.”
I’ve determined recently (in moments of Kingdom-perspective) that trials are a privilege. They are an opportunity. They are affirming in the fact that God’s love is “steadfast …to thousands of those who love [him] and keep [his] commandments.” deut 5:10 God must love me enough to put me through trials to build my faith. It’s a growth spurt. It hurts, but I embrace it. I desire to be as strong as Job in godly character.
I realize this is a bit ambiguous as to the application in my life. I present it as a glimpse of my thoughts.
Categories: Kingdom Intentions |
…solid insights.
second thoughts: thought about this post outdoors today and was simply reminded of Him being synonymous with “steadfast” …my noggin pondered, “if the story of Jesus in the flesh were rewritten: ‘Jesus came in the flesh, spent a day healing some people, talked about the Scriptures a little, and thought about staying longer but did not feel like it & instead went back to Heaven.’ …generations later it would be unlikely for us to talk about Him.”
Yet, instead, the Truth is He did stay, is the Messiah, and has never turned off His Character of Love… the off switch is permanently broken & Praise Him it is. …applicable to our lives, it’s like His “steadfast” nature within His children is liken to suspenders holding up spiritual clothes as we go about spreading the Gospel within His Graces. …not sure if any of this makes sense written down, but He sure used it internally earlier.
Blessings in Christ Bro
Thanks you for sharing this glimpse. I know and I see the refinement that these trials have and are having in your life and they are working to build this strong and Godly character. You have grown and are deeper and stronger in ways you probably don’t even realize . I pray the trials that I’ve suffered the past 6months will refine me and groom me and develop more Godly character in the ways that I’ve seen them shape you-
I think it’s imperative that we embrace (as you stated) these “growth spurts” as painful as they may be and come to the other side with gratitude to the Lord for the priviledge of ” growing” and that our loving father did not leave us to remain “stuck” and the same… but wants to continue to take us to know heights of freedom!