Wednesday Word of the Day

Steadfast

/'sted*fast/

1. Fast fixed; firmly fixed or established; as the stedfast globe of earth.

2. Constant; firm; resolute; not fickle or wavering.

    Abide steadfast to thy neighbor in the time of his trouble.

    Him resist, steadfast in the faith. 1 Peter 5

3. Steady; as steadfast sight.

/'sted*fast*ly/ adv.

Firmly; with constancy or steadiness of mind.

Steadfastly believe that whatever God has revealed is infallibly true.

/'sted*fast*ness/ n

1. Firmness of standing; fixedness in place.

2. Firmness of mind or purpose; fixedness in principle; constancy; resolution; as the steadfastness of faith.   He adhered to his opinions with steadfastness.

(all definitions taken from Webster's 1828 dictionary)

This word inspires me in two ways:

1st ~ Scripture describes God's love for me as "steadfast love"  

"For great is your steadfast love toward me..." Psalm 86:13

"The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, His mercies never come to an end." Lamentations 3:22

Wow, His love is firmly fixed, established like the earth being established in orbit. It is constant; firm; never fickle or wavering.  It's hard for me to wrap my mind around that kind of love.  We can count on His love!

2nd ~ Scripture tells me to be steadfast

"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." 

1 Corinthians 15:58

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kind, 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.  Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trials, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him."  

James 1:2-4; 12

I can live this way because of Jesus Christ living in me.  In my own strength I could never be steadfast in the midst of trials and daily living, but when I rely on the work of Christ in my life, all things are possible.

"But Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."  Matthew 19:26