Steadfast
by Jessica Visser
It’s a word I’ve heard a lot in church; however, I can’t say it’s something I’ve witnessed much of in the world around me. I guess I figured that it was an attribute of God that we just hadn’t yet managed to emulate. When things get hard, we permit ourselves and others to give up- take a break, leave the relationship, just do you. So naturally, as I searched for the word steadfast and its occurrence in the Bible- I thought I would come across Scriptures referring to the steadfastness of God; His faithfulness and His unfailing love toward us. I was surprised to read that the majority of the Scriptures containing the word steadfast were actually referring to us- God’s people.
I traced back the Hebrew and Greek words associated with steadfast (side note: you can do this too at Biblehub.com or by using a concordance). The Hebrew word aman refers to a root, and the Greek word bebaios refers to a basis. Both words deal with a firm support. The Hebrew word discussed nourishment (like a root nourishes a tree), and the Greek word discussed an unshakable foundation, absolutely dependable. Again, many of these Scriptures were not referring to the faithfulness of God, but to His people. You and me. God is undoubtedly and absolutely dependable. Am I?
The first two occurrences that I discovered were about Moses and Abraham- two of the men whom God called His friends:
I traced back the Hebrew and Greek words associated with steadfast (side note: you can do this too at Biblehub.com or by using a concordance). The Hebrew word aman refers to a root, and the Greek word bebaios refers to a basis. Both words deal with a firm support. The Hebrew word discussed nourishment (like a root nourishes a tree), and the Greek word discussed an unshakable foundation, absolutely dependable. Again, many of these Scriptures were not referring to the faithfulness of God, but to His people. You and me. God is undoubtedly and absolutely dependable. Am I?
The first two occurrences that I discovered were about Moses and Abraham- two of the men whom God called His friends:
“And [Abraham] believed the LORD, and he counted it to him as righteousness.” Genesis 15:6
“Not so with my servant Moses. He is faithful in all my house.” Numbers 12:7
“Not so with my servant Moses. He is faithful in all my house.” Numbers 12:7
Heart Check: Is it possible that my friendship with God has not been as deep as I’ve wanted because the roots of my faith in who He is and what He has promised have been both shallow and shakable?
The next Scriptures were written by the leaders of the early church:
Like Abraham and Moses, Paul was steadfast, firm, sure, and absolutely dependable to continually believe that God is who He says He is and He will do what He said He will do. There’s a reason we hear so much about these men: This is what He desires from us. Steadfast hope. And when it looks impossible, hope. And when you don’t get it, believe. And when it hurts, have faith. And when others tell you that you have the right to give up, remain steadfast.
My prayer for whoever reads this:
Holy Spirit, help us to believe regardless of what we see or feel. Prepare the roots of our faith to withstand whatever storm may come. You are steadfast. Teach us to be the same, so we can deepen our relationship with you, and be an example of who You are to those around us. For Your Glory. Help us to imitate you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
“Our hope for you [the church] is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort.” 2 Corinthians 1:7
“For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence
firm to the end.” Hebrews 3:14
“We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain…” Hebrews 6:19
“For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence
firm to the end.” Hebrews 3:14
“We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain…” Hebrews 6:19
Like Abraham and Moses, Paul was steadfast, firm, sure, and absolutely dependable to continually believe that God is who He says He is and He will do what He said He will do. There’s a reason we hear so much about these men: This is what He desires from us. Steadfast hope. And when it looks impossible, hope. And when you don’t get it, believe. And when it hurts, have faith. And when others tell you that you have the right to give up, remain steadfast.
My prayer for whoever reads this:
Holy Spirit, help us to believe regardless of what we see or feel. Prepare the roots of our faith to withstand whatever storm may come. You are steadfast. Teach us to be the same, so we can deepen our relationship with you, and be an example of who You are to those around us. For Your Glory. Help us to imitate you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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