Daily Devotional

“Steadfast” is one of those old English words people don’t use much anymore.  In fact, recently I looked it up in the dictionary because I wasn’t sure what it meant, and I’m glad I did!  It’s made up of two root words meaning “fixed in place.”  It describes someone who is unwavering and firm in their belief or determination… someone who is sure… steady… reliable… and determined.

I don’t know about you, but sometimes I don’t feel steadfast!  I feel discouraged and doubtful.  So how do we get to the point where we feel firmly fixed in place?

1 Corinthians 15:58 highlights two ways:
(1) We develop steadfastness by rejoicing in the gospel.  If you take a look at the context, you’ll notice this is the final verse in chapter 15 – which is Paul’s Magnum Opus on the resurrection of Christ.  Paul began the chapter by saying: “… I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you… on which you have taken your stand.  By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you.”  So “firmness” comes as our faith is strengthened and solidified by the word of God.  How certain and fixed in place should our faith be?  As certain as the resurrection of Christ.  The gospel is the bedrock of our faith and the foundation of a steadfast life.

(2) We develop steadfastness by knowing our labor is not in vain!  In these dark and crazy times it would be easy to lose heart – to get discouraged and give up.  But God promises that our labor is not in vain, even if we don’t see immediate results.  Elsewhere Paul wrote: “Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9).  That awareness should motivate us to keep abounding in the work of the Lord with a confidence and steadfastness that is out of this world.  So don’t lose heart!

English Standard Version (ESV)
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.