What are your thoughts on trials and testing? What are your struggles on troubles and problems? What are your responses to crises and disasters? All these do affect us one way or another. Trials and testing can dull our spirit. Troubles and problems can bother our soul. Crises and disasters can alter our perspectives of life itself. In the midst of trials, testing, troubles, problems, crises and disasters, we have our thoughts, struggles and responses towards them. These really stretch and test our character and our faith in Christ. We can either come out strong or become stressed out by them.
Last Sunday, at our Shalom DG meeting, we studied on “The Ultimate View of Patience―Its Ultimate Meaning”. We learnt that “Patience has two legs―endurance and perseverance.” In the Bible Study book, it mentions that “Patience will in some instances stand still with firm resolve to hold on to the truth. Such patient endurance marked the life of the apostle Paul.” This is endurance which is patience through standing still with firmness. On the other hand, “Perseverance is patience on the move. It marks those who actively continue in a work they’re convinced is God’s calling.” This leads me to another similar term: “steadfastness.” What does the Bible teach about “Steadfast or Steadfastness”?
Besides having endurance and perseverance, we need to cultivate steadfastness. In James 5:11, it mentions that “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.” What is “steadfast”? It is resolutely or dutifully firm and unwavering. So, “steadfastness” would be “the quality of being resolute, firm or unwavering in one’s beliefs, decisions, or purpose, It signifies a state of being highly determined and consistent in actions or beliefs, even in the face of difficulties or challenges. Additionally, it can mean being fixed or unchanging over time.”
In James 5:11, there is the blessedness of remaining steadfast. In the midst of trials, testing, troubles, problems, crises and disasters, we need not be shaken. We need, therefore, to be steadfast. How to be steadfast? By having the right mindset and right attitude, we can cultivate steadfastness. I am reminded of Romans 8:28 which mentions that “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” When we focus on the circumstances or the situations which we are facing, we can be easily overwhelmed and overcome by them. When we focus on the purpose of the Lord, the whole encounter/experience has shifted and changed. This statement, “… you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful” in James 5:11 encourages us and spurs us on. We can be steadfast when we anchor ourselves on the attributes of God, that is, His compassion and mercy. We can also be steadfast when we rest ourselves on the purpose of the Lord, which is faithful and good. Once you have seen the purpose of the Lord, the picture of the situation/trouble which you are encountering becomes clearer. Hence, it is more amazing and beautiful. Trusting in the great faithfulness of God will enhance your steadfastness.
Having the purpose of the Lord in mind will keep us in the right direction with the right attitude when we face various trials and testing. These are reiterated in James 1:2-4, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 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 in nothing.” It is when we lose our focus, we begin to doubt God’s faithfulness and goodness in the midst of our trials and testing.
I am reminded still of another relevant Bible verse in 1 Corinthians 15:58, “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” There are rewards for being steadfast. We are assured that in the Lord our labour shall not be in vain. In due time, it will bear much fruit if we do not give up. We are instructed in this Bible verse to be steadfast, immovable and always abounding in the work of the Lord. So, let us be steadfast and not lose heart. Focusing on the purpose of the Lord and the attributes of God will enable you and me to be steadfast and remain steadfast.
May this final Bible verse in James 1:12 stirs in us the earnest desire to be steadfast: “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” Wow! What a joy and a privilege that when we are steadfast under trial, we will receive the crown of life! Let us, therefore, never, never, never lose heart but instead, be steadfast in the Lord. Amen.
