God needs determined, steadfast Christians at all times. Perhaps you know someone who could be described as a determined Christian. Is the person you are thinking of unreasonable, stubborn, difficult to get along with? If they were, you might say that God has no use for people like that. I agree. But please keep in mind what the original meaning of the word “steadfast” is. To be steadfast means to be certain of one’s resolve and firm and clear in one’s goal. It means to be unyielding and resolute.
A steadfast, determined Christian bases his or her convictions on the Word of God. In the joyful testimony of the saving grace and sustaining power of our Lord, they do not falter, but hold fast to their convictions, no matter what others think, say, or do.
The apostle Paul was certainly a Christian who was decisive and steadfast, who was determined to keep his eyes on the goal set before him. He did not allow himself to be influenced by the arguments of others. Although he was in prison and abandoned by most of his Christian friends, he remained steadfast. He wrote to young Timothy: “Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God, who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began, but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, to which I was appointed a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day. Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us” (2 Timothy 1:8-14). Not only was Paul firmly convinced to hold fast to the gospel of salvation through Jesus Christ, but he also taught others to be equally convinced and to act as he did.
In the Old Testament, we find many examples of godly steadfastness. Noah spent many years building the ark while people mocked his steadfastness. But God honored his faith by saving him and his family from the flood.
Joseph became a symbol of godly perseverance as a result of his victory over sin in Egypt. Even when he was thrown into prison for taking a stand against immorality, Joseph remained faithful to God.
Daniel prayed to God even though he was a prisoner in a foreign land. Because of his faith, he was thrown into a lions’ den. It was no accident that the hungry lions refused to eat Daniel. God acted to preserve His faithful servant.
There are numerous illustrations in the Word of God that show how those who remain faithful to God receive His blessings and rewards. It is worthwhile to remain steadfast and immovable, whatever the cost.
Acts 6 and 7 recounts the story of Stephen. As a truly devoted Christian, he was active in the first Christian community. His actions brought him much criticism and he was brought before the council. Despite his tribulation, those looking at him “saw his face as the face of an angel” (Acts 6:15). He was stoned to death, but he did not weaken, and even prayed for his murderers with his last breath.
Dr. John Scudder, a missionary doctor in India, felt called to missionary service by the death of a boy he had treated. On the wall above the boy’s bed was a map showing the few places where doctors were working for the 350 million people of India. Next to the map were the words: “Who will go and help them?” Dr. Scudder asked himself, “Why shouldn’t I go?” He went home and told his wife, a committed Christian, about his plan. She replied, “Wherever you go, I will go; where you stay, I will stay. Your people are my people, and your God is my God“ (Ruth 1:16). Then he went to his father. His father thought his idea was nonsense. When Dr. Scudder told his father about his plan again the following week, his father replied sternly, ”Don’t ever mention this plan to me again.” But a month later, John presented his plan to his father again. The hurtful response was: “On the day you leave for India, I will no longer recognize you as my son.” This was a heavy cross to bear, because John loved his father. But he went to India anyway, from where he wrote to his father every month. But the letters ended up unopened in the trash. However, his mother took them out and read them aloud so that his father had to hear them.
Years later, the two men were reconciled. More importantly, nine of Dr. John Scudder’s children became missionaries in India, and his grandchildren and subsequent generations later worked there as well.
Could anyone deny that it is worthwhile to be a determined, steadfast Christian? Let us stand firm with the Lord! Being a Christian is the highest calling we have. Let us live every day wholly as steadfast Christians for Christ! This is the only way to truly impact the world.
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