Steadfast Faith
Author: Hope Sheidler
March 04, 2025
“Count it all joy, my brothers,
when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your
faith produces steadfastness.” James 1:2-3 (ESV)
Steadfastness. To be firm and unwavering.
Am I counting it all joy as I encounter trials? Do I have a
firm and unwavering faith? Do I STRIVE to have a firm and unwavering
faith?
It can seem easier, at times, to not rely on God. We can
choose to run to other things or other people to help justify or get control of
a situation, instead of embracing the trial as an opportunity to rely on God. Throughout
my life, I have had great examples of faith. People I have looked up to for
their faith during the good and the difficult times. I watched these people
appear so graceful as they endured loss and disappointment. I wondered how they
managed. Were they not fazed by what was happening? How did they do it? It
seemed like I was the only one completely inept at keeping it together and, compared
to their trials, mine seemed small.
Years ago, I heard a sermon that suggested that our prayers
should include requests for trials that would strengthen and test our faith. My
response to that was, “Why would you do that?!” I wanted to stay as comfortable
as possible and if I just took a deep breath and kept moving, things would work
out. If you asked me at the time if that was faith in God, I would have said
“yes.” I suppose it was the truth, but I was certainly not striving to be
steadfast in my faith. I’m the kind of person that laughs as a nervous response,
and I have at times had to apologize for laughing inappropriately. This kind of
thing is a half-hearted attempt at projecting the joy of the Lord. Don’t misunderstand
me, I have been a Christian for most of my life. I do indeed have the joy of
the Lord, but I was not intentionally putting Godly faith in my trials.
Over time, I have encountered trials that have seriously
tested my faith. I have asked questions like, “How can this be part of God’s
plan?” and “How do I keep moving forward in these circumstances?” Again, I have been surrounded by faith-filled,
graceful people who point me back to Christ. The promises in God’s Word are
real. They are for me, and they are for you. Having faith in God and His
sovereignty is essential during what we consider the big trials, like life and
death. However, having faith during the more temporal trials like annoying
circumstances, parenting a difficult child, career setbacks, financial pitfalls,
or fractured relationships is also essential. It is God’s way of showing His
faithful, steadfast love for us.
I have found that recalling how God has been faithful in my
life strengthens my faith. I am a big fan of counting my blessings! Telling
others about God’s blessings, writing them down, and thanking God in prayer bring
glory to God. Bringing glory to God blesses us in return. Scripture is full of how
God blessed His people as He instructed them to remember what He has done.
A few examples include Psalm 77:11-12, 103:2; 1 and 1 Chronicles 16:12. By
remembering and recounting His faithfulness, we can be reassured of His perfect
plan and steadfast love for us.
I still am not sure if I am mature enough to prayerfully ask
God to bring trials into my life so that my faith can be strengthened. But I am
growing in ways that help me see my trials as opportunities to strengthen my
faith, and to recognize that the joy spoken of in James 1 is not a “fake it
until you make it” joy. The joy I have in knowing that God has a plan for my
life makes the circumstances of life possible.
During the most significant trial of my life, I specifically
prayed that I would be graceful during the suffering. I wanted to be like those
people I had looked up to for their faith. There have been a lot of ugly moments,
but God has been faithful in teaching me how to trust Him and to not just look joyful,
but BE joyful in spite of, and because of, the trial.
I encourage you to get in the Scripture. These are verses
that I continually draw strength from:
Isaiah 55:8-9
For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Nehemiah 8:9-10
And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and
Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all
the people, “This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep.” For
all the people wept as they heard the words of the Law. 10 Then
he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send
portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And
do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Philippians 4:6-8
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by
prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to
God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable,
whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is
commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise,
think about these things."
Matthew 14:27-33
"But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it
is I. Do not be afraid.”
And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to
come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and
walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind,
he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus
immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of
little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the
boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him,
saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”"
John 10:10 "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came
that they may have life and have it abundantly."
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