Being Steadfast and Patient

The fundamental knowledge of God is essential for a strong and healthy relationship with the Most High. I say, ‘fundamental’ because there is “a knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Col. 2:2, 3 NKJV). Of the latter, our lifetime and more would never be enough to comprehend that which is in the fullness of the Godhead. While describing the love of Christ, Paul tells us that while together with all the saints we might be able to comprehend the breadth and length and height and depth of Christ’s love, the Apostle still says that, “it passes knowledge” (Eph. 3:18, 19).

Yet there is a fundamental knowledge of God that serves as a vital foundation upon which our lives are built in total dependence on God. It may be hazy and dim, yet important nevertheless. Unless we are gripped by the care and concern and love that God has for us, for example, we will continue to be tossed here and there by storms of testing no matter how loud we sing and how often we pray. Such conviction, that God’s always-enduring, unfailing, inseparable and immeasurable love will never let us down, serves as a firm anchor. It roots us to a point that we can face any situation almost fearlessly. Yes, we would be tempted with anxiousness and worry but if we are truly convinced of God’s deep commitment to our lives, such temptations do not linger for long. They would come and go but we will not get submerged by it. 

Understanding that God’s eternal, perfect wisdom guides our steps into His best when we trust Him solidifies that foundation. Being fully assured that there is a favour (or what the Bible refers to as grace) that is so richly lavished upon us because of Christ Jesus; and that we are ‘chosen’ by God’s personal choosing strengthens that foundation further. I could go on to write about other glorious attributes such as God’s faithfulness and His power but that is not the intent of this writing.

The real reason for writing is to encourage us of the need to seek God’s face to continue in ‘steadfastness and patience’. On this, the Apostle Paul wrote to the Church at Colossae saying, “We have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be… strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience” (Col. 1:11). 

In life’s testing, after we have put on the full armour of God—armed with truth, righteousness, faith, the assurance of salvation, the Word and prayer—Paul says, “stand firm” (Eph. 6:14). Trying times have a way of disturbing us. We are not ostriches that hide our head in the sand, oblivious of our situation. We are fully aware of all that we have on hand. We are conscious that the problem(s) are often overwhelming and also of how extremely inadequate we are to deal with them. We cry out to God in our helplessness. We know He is our Helper and yet most often than not, the issues that besiege us still remain. God has not forgotten us, has He? He is and always will be unfailingly faithful. This is the anthem we proclaim, isn’t it? Yet why does God not answer? Like the Psalmist, do we also feel that God is silent (Psa. 28:1; 39:12; 83:1)?

It is in times like these that we need to remain steadfast. The word steadfast means to stand firm, unwavering and unfaltering. It also means to persevere and not give up. There is also need for patience. A submissive heart that waits for God knows that the One we believe in is in control. He is powerful and He is never late.

When James wrote, “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance,” (Jas. 1:2, 3) it would appear that like a Mathematics Professor, he may have skipped a step. Paul covers that step by praying that we be strengthened by the power of God to have such endurance.

Scripture makes it clear to us that there are many afflictions that the righteous will face (Psa. 34:19). Our Lord Himself warned us that in the world we will have troubles (Jn. 16:33) but He also told us to take courage. It is this that we need to ask God to strengthen us to have—strength to be strong and very courageous (Josh. 1:9); steadfast and full of hope; patient and unwavering.

God is faithful to do His part. He needs no reminder. He never fails. As He has promised, He will deliver us from all our afflictions. As He has assured us, He has overcome the world. What He is looking for from us is a steadfast, patient trusting heart for such faith honours Him.

I am confident that no matter how fierce the storm or how severe the pressure of our circumstances, if we know whom we have believed in and cry to Him—whose eyes are on the righteous and whose ears are attentive to their cry—that we be strengthened in our inner being with power according to His glorious might to stand steadfast and patient; then we can be certain that He will give us the grace to stand firm and unshaking.

Days draw near when we could come under greater pressure than we are facing right now. We must use every opportunity ‘today’ to stand firm, steadfast, persevering and patient. Such opportunities will act as preparation for the more severe challenges ahead. May we first and foremost seek God for a greater knowledge of Him and then ask Him for power to remain firm. 

The Lord’s words still ring true: “For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised. For yet in a very little while, He who is coming will come and will not delay but My righteous one shall live by faith; and if he shrinks back, My soul has no pleasure in him. But we are not those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the persevering of the soul” (Heb. 13:36-39). May God find in us such a heart.