Steadfastness by Aije Barnes, May 5 issue 2 Vol 5

Whilst praying and asking the Lord for what He would like me share with you, the word 'steadfastness' came to my heart. 

This is a very interesting word and its meaning covers a wide spectrum of our lives. The dictionary definition of Steadfastness is: 'firm in purpose, resolution, faith, attachment, etc., as a person: a steadfast friend'

The first four parts of the definition above, refer our attitude towards our purpose, decisions or promises, faith and attachments, which I would like to refer to here, as our relationships, for example, with our spouses, and children. I believe it could also refer to your close friends. 

The secret to success in all the areas of our lives mentioned above, is our Steadfastness in each and every one of them. 

If the Lord has set a task for you to and you remain firm in your purpose to complete it, no matter what obstacles you encounter or challenges you face, you will definitely achieve your goal.  If however you lack steadfastness, you will surely fail. The same applies to your resolutions, faith and relationships. 

Being steadfast in the face of difficulty is not easy at all. It takes the Grace of God to hang on in there and weather the storm. 

Peter, one of the disciples of Jesus, had first hand experience of exactly what this meant literally.  Let me share with you what the scriptures says about this incident:. 

 

After feeding the 5,000, 'Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. (‭Matthew‬ ‭14‬:‭22-32‬ KJV)''

You saw what happened to Peter when he took his eyes off Jesus and fixed them on what was going on around him. Can you imagine what would have happened to him if he had not called out Jesus to save him?

The final definition of steadfastness given above, refers to a person- a steadfast friend. There is no one whose love for you and friendship with you is more steadfast than the Lord Himself. So fix your eyes on Jesus and trust Him in and with everything. He will never fail you. 

A good friend once said 'there are no unanswered prayers only abandoned ones'. So don't give up trusting God and be steadfast because when the storm has passed you will realise that your prayers have been answered and you have received much more than you asked for. 

The steadfast love of The Lord never ceases, His mercies never comes to an end. They are new every morning. Great is His faithfulness. (Lam 3 vs 22-23)

Shalom