FAITH CAPSULE: To be steadfast is not a self-satisfying engagement

Luke 5

Follow the commanding word of God, wholly follow God fully.
Following God demands to be steadfast.
To be steadfast is not a self-satisfying engagement but can be full of pain, a self-discipline, to live for God.
Have you ever wondered what it truly means to be steadfast before God?
To be steadfast before God is rooted in having faith.
A Christian faith embodies a profound commitment to God, marked by unwavering trust and loyalty to God regardless of the challenges.
It transcends mere persistence; it is a heart posture that acknowledges the sovereignty and promises, even when circumstances seem bleak.
This deep-rooted assurance empowers believers to stand firm in their convictions, often reflecting the resilience demonstrated by Job, Daniel, and Paul, who faced trials yet remained anchored in their faith.
Without doubt, steadfastness is a character that remains anchored in having faith in God.
The determination will not be enough to be steadfast before God without having the desire to live for God.
For example, King David wanted to be steadfast before God by asking God, Psalm 51:10, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
A steadfast spirit before God was demonstrated by Caleb and Joshua.
Caleb and Joshua refused the negative confession about the Promised Land.
The testimony of Caleb and Joshua provoked the declaration of God, stating, “My servant Caleb, because he has a different spirit in him and has followed Me fully, I will bring into the land where he went, and his descendants shall inherit it.” (Numbers 14:24)
Those who follow the commanding word of God wholly follow God fully.
Elisha steadfastly gave himself to God.
At the calling of Elisha, through Elijah, “…He left the oxen and ran after Elijah, and said, ‘Please let me kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow you.’ And he said to him, ‘Go back again, for what have I done to you?’  So Elisha turned back from him, and took a yoke of oxen and slaughtered them and boiled their flesh, using the oxen’s equipment, and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he arose and followed Elijah, and became his servant.” (1 Kings 19:20-21)
Elisha left all behind when he answered the calling of God.
In answering, Elisha demonstrated steadfastness; He emptied himself by getting rid of material that could have held him back.
Elisha used his equipment as a boiler to boil his slaughtered oxen. Whatever man cannot forsake for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven is what will cause Heaven to forsake such from becoming a qualified candidate for the Kingdom of Heaven.
Become emptied of all that is possible to deny self to find God.
Forsake all that is not of God, for your calling be established.
Be steadfast in following the word of God fully to be rewarded by God.

Prayer for today: Ask God to enable you to live a steadfast life before Him for His glory.