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In the world of navigation, true direction is the shortest point from A to B, and it’s hard to keep. Waves, currents, and storms will alter the vessels course if left unchecked requiring regular adjustments in order to stay the course. I have found that life isn’t much different. Even when we have a definite direction due to well-defined goals, life still happens and throws us off course. We need something to keep us on target, and while faith (the object of our last devotion) identifies the goal, steadfastness is what we need to stay the course.

Steadfastness – What is it? Depending on the translation you’re reading, the Greek word hypomoné may be alternately translated as steadfastness, endurance, patience, perseverance or even some combination of these. Regardless, in the New Testament hypomoné is “the characteristic of a man who is not swerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferings.” When considering what Scripture has to say about this attribute, 3 points come to mind.

It is an essential part of what make the Christ-follower mature (James 1:3-4).

When it comes to developing into a mature Believer, Scripture identifies at least two essential components: God’s Word (2 Tim. 3:16-17) and steadfastness in our life experience. When diving into the meaning of Paul’s words to Timothy in 2 Tim 3:16-17 we can see that the Christ-follower cannot be complete without God’s Word. It’s the guidebook to living out life well, and Paul clearly states that in God’s Word being “profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” the purpose is “that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” Said differently, the man of God cannot possibly be complete without profiting from God’s Word. This is the point where James helps us see the rest of what makes the man of God complete.

“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.”

James 1:2-4 (ESV)

James 1:2-4 shows us that when life comes at us, even in trials, we must be diligent to remain true to our faith. While spending time in Scripture is profitable, as the Word says about itself, it does not really profit us until we put it into practice. In other words, knowing the instructions, even loving the instructions is meaningless without actually living life according to the instructions. And, that is never more apparent than during a time of trial.

When we are under pressure – when we are squeezed – it reveals who we are and whether or not our heading still holds true, or whether we have shifted course (maybe without realizing the shift as it occurred). If we are intentionally steadfast, if we choose to endure, then we choose to course correct and stay focused on our goal. This is the sign of growing toward maturity and completion in the faith, and there is no greater example, and no greater heading, than Christ.

When applied, it reflects that we are, in fact, following Christ’s example (Hebrews 12:1-2).

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV)

Notice that when the author here commends us toward running with endurance, he does so on the heals of example after example of people living out their faith (Hebrews 11). We will not be alone in facing crises, and we will not be alone in running with endurance. Example after example throughout the Bible shows us that we do not run the race of life alone. We can learn from others successes and mistakes as we endure.

Also, as we run with endurance, the one thing that can help us to keep our focus on the finish, is to keep our eyes on Christ – the author/founder and perfecter of our faith. Yet, let us make sure not to simply limit Jesus to the end goal. He is also the ultimate example of steadfast endurance, surrendering His life for our sake. When we keep our focus on Jesus, we are sure to see His example of steadfastness as fuel for us to continue. With that being said though, let us not mistake ourselves into believing that just keeping our eyes on Jesus will magically grow our endurance develop. Endurance is something we grow on purpose.

We are supposed to be intentional about growing it (2 Peter 1:5-7).

For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.

2 Peter 1:5-7 (ESV)

Prior to Peter’s advocating for growing various attributes (including steadfastness), he assures us that God has given us all we need to do so (2 Peter 1:3), so we are not commanded or encouraged without hope. Further, Peter also helps us to recognize that we must be growing in these areas to be fruitful and effective for the kingdom’s purposes (2 Peter 1:8). More than anything at this point though, I want to draw our attention to three key words at the start of this passage – make every effort. Make – an action verb (not “let”), every – do all that you can, effort – it’s going to take work!

Steadfastness is not easy. It is demanded and demanding. But, I am convinced, if we keep our eyes on Jesus – the author of the general story of faith – and allow Him to hold the pen and write our story, we will be able to keep true, no matter what tries to throw us off course.