Revive and Restore Ministries
  • Welcome
  • About Us
    • Our Leaders
    • Photo Gallery
    • God Stories
  • Devotions
  • Join Us
    • Local Outreach
    • Refresh!
    • International Missions >
      • Dominican Republic 2018
      • Costa Rica 2017
  • Resources
    • Be Restored Materials
    • Materias en Español
    • Retreats and Conferences
    • Teachings
  • Contact Us
    • Prayer Requests
    • Prayer Partner Sign Up

Devotions  

Steadfast

10/7/2020

0 Comments

 
In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.  Peter 5:10 NLT

Steadfast is not a word we commonly hear nowadays. And yet a few days ago I sensed that is what our compassionate God wants us to know about him right now. As we recognize this quality in him, he will then work it into us as well. I finally sat down to study its meaning and discern why it might be important to Jesus and us, especially now.

The dictionary defines steadfast as “not subject to change, resolute, true, faithful, loyal, firm in belief, determination and adherence”.  Have you recognized Jesus working in your life this way?

A favorite verse that uses steadfast is Isaiah 26:3 NIV, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” The New Living Translation says, “… whose thoughts are fixed on you.”  Apparently, our job is to fix our thoughts firmly and resolutely on Jesus and he will keep us in perfect peace.  That’s a good exchange!

When I sought what the Concordance said about the Hebrew word for steadfast, it seemed to fill in the Lord’s work in us and our response.  Among other things, steadfast in the Isaiah verse means “to lean on, rely upon, gain confidence, rest, refresh, gain and give support.” Another word in the Hebrew for steadfast, found mainly in the Psalms, carries the sense of “be prepared, committed, make ready, be determined, devoted.” So, is the Lord saying he is making us ready for what lies ahead by training us to confidently rely on him?

In the NIV translation of the Bible, 1 Peter 5:10 (above) ends in “(the Lord) will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” In that verse “steadfast” in the Greek, carries the meaning of “lay a foundation”.  One thing I love about that verse is that it is not me, but God, “he himself”, who will lay that foundation in us and use the suffering that only lasts a little while, so that we can share in his eternal glory.  Now, this is a promise we should claim.

I invite you to ponder and talk to God about what he wants you to know about his being steadfast for you, and how he wants to work this godly characteristic into you.  It will bless you, as I believe Jesus wants to equip you, not just to endure, but to shine for his glory in all the present trials.  

Dear friends, there is a spiritual battle raging and it is intensifying. May you stay close to Christ’s steadfast heart, and be safe under his wings. Do not be dismayed. Look into his devoted eyes of love and experience his unchanging intentions toward you. May you surrender your need to know and trust that he is preparing you for something greater.  May you confidently follow his lead to higher spiritual ground.  Amen.

Mary Sumner ~ October, 2020
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Author

    Mary Sumner

    Archives

    April 2025
    March 2025
    January 2025
    December 2024
    November 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    August 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • Welcome
  • About Us
    • Our Leaders
    • Photo Gallery
    • God Stories
  • Devotions
  • Join Us
    • Local Outreach
    • Refresh!
    • International Missions >
      • Dominican Republic 2018
      • Costa Rica 2017
  • Resources
    • Be Restored Materials
    • Materias en Español
    • Retreats and Conferences
    • Teachings
  • Contact Us
    • Prayer Requests
    • Prayer Partner Sign Up