In this post: You’re struggling to see God working in the midst of your trials. Here’s what you can learn about being steadfast in the Bible, and how to remain firm in your faith through hard times.
The word, steadfast appears many times throughout the Bible, often in reference to the steadfast love of God, or the faithfulness of believers.
One of the most well-known verses about steadfastness is found in 1 Corinthians 15:58, which says,
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” NKJV
What’s inside this post
For your convenience, this post may contain affiliate links. This simply means that if you make a purchase after clicking on one of the links below, though your cost doesn’t change, I may receive a small commission. For more information, see my disclaimer and privacy policy.
Another common verse that speaks of steadfastness in the Bible is Psalm 112:7, which teaches us,
“He shall not be afraid of evil tidings; his heart is firmly fixed, trusting (leaning on and being confident) in the Lord.” AMPC
Enduring Hard Times with Steadfastness
Between financial hardships, addictions, broken relationships, and chronic illness, being persistent in our faith is no small feat. It’s no wonder we fear bad news since it seems to be lurking around every corner.
But, thankfully, we don’t serve a God of chaos. And when everything feels so out of control, we can use it as our first clue that what’s going on isn’t coming from God.
Oh, don’t get me wrong.
I didn’t say that when we follow God closely and remain steadfast in Him, we’ll experience a life free of trials and hardships. Because that just isn’t the case at all.
But when we’re walking close to God, chaos and disorder can be seen from a different lens. And it’s the very reason we must continue to do good works, and choose to remain steadfast in our faith in Christ Jesus.
Grab the Free 40 Powerful Christian Affirmations to Help You Conquer Your Fear and Anxieties.
In fact, in the New Testament, the book of James helps us see the importance of steadfastness as we face trials and testing.
“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” James 1:2-4 NLT
What is Steadfast in the Bible
I don’t know about you, but I’m a complete geek about looking up the meaning of words, especially as it pertains to scripture. It helps me break down what the verse means and gives me a better picture of how I can apply it to my life.
Now I was never that way in school. Just ask one of my high school teachers!
But over the years, I’ve really come to love the Word of God. In fact, diving below the surface to uncover what it means has taken on a whole new life for me.
So let’s look at the word steadfast.
According to the Oxford dictionary, steadfast means resolute or unmoving. Firm and unwavering.
When we remain strong in our own steadfastness it means we are spiritually grounded. And when we have a steadfast spirit, we remain steady, calm and even-tempered in all circumstances.
I’m definitely a work in progress though. How about you?
We just have to aim to do better each day. We must also remember that remaining strong in our faith isn’t a feeling. It’s a choice.
And let’s face it, there are some days it takes a lot of practice.
The great news for us is, God doesn’t expect perfection.
He just wants to see that we’re CHOOSING to do better every day. That we’re willing to change, stay away from false teachings, and live in a way that honors Him.
Thankfully, we have plenty of great examples of steadfastness in the Bible.
“This is for you if you keep the faith. You must not change from what you believe now. You must not leave the hope of the Good News you received. The Good News was preached to you and to all the world. And I, Paul, am one of Christ’s missionaries.” Colossians 1:23 NLV
In a devotional by Joyce Meyers, we learn the power of remaining steadfast in trials of various kinds.
“When we mature spiritually to the point that we can maintain a level of steadfastness, then we do not react to every little harassing thing the enemy sends against us.“ Joyce Meyer
Again, steadfastness isn’t a feeling.
It’s a choice we must make every day.
And on some days, when things feel like they’re falling apart around us, we must continue to make the choice to remain persistent in our faith throughout the day.
What is a Steadfast person
“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 ESV
A steadfast person is devoted to Christ and the will of God. Someone who remains unchanged, and stands on what they believe about God.
In other words, you’re a steadfast person when remaining steady in the testing of your faith.
In an article by Got Questions, we learn the importance of becoming a steadfast person.
“An unmovable person can hear false teaching, engage doubters, and defend truth without it shaking his own faith. Its truth should so penetrate our minds and hearts that it shapes our thinking and our actions. It should so fill our minds that we can detect error when we hear it.” Got Questions
Be sure to check out 15 Best Prayer Journals to Strengthen Your Prayer Life.
We know how important remaining steadfast is because John 8:31-32 teaches us what Jesus, Himself, told His followers about the importance of remaining steadfast.
“31 Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. 32 And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
When we remain unchanging in the face of our trials, it allows others to see the full effect of God and His blessings through us.
Endureth Temptation with a Steadfast Heart
Just like Eve in the garden of Eden, you and I are victims of deceit. Satan prowls around our lives and twists the truth in order to separate us from God.
“8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” 1 Peter 5:8-9 NIV
And since we know Satan’s game plan, we have all the power to remain firm as we endure temptation.
Knowing what Satan is up to allows us to quickly identify what’s really going on, so we can continue to walk closely with God.
So before we dive into how we can become steadfast, let’s look at just a few biblical examples of steadfastness in the Bible.
Steadfast Love of the Lord
Probably the most prominent person in the Bible to remain unwavering in His purpose was Jesus.
The steadfastness of Christ was apparent throughout his life, ministry, and even in His death.
- Temptation in the Wilderness: After fasting for 40 days and nights, Jesus was tempted by Satan to abandon his mission and follow him. But Jesus remained steadfast, rejecting Satan’s offers and quoting scripture to resist temptation.
- Opposition from Religious Leaders: The religious leaders of his time opposed Jesus and his teachings, often trying to trap him with tricky questions or outright hostility. But Jesus remained steadfast in his mission, continuing to preach and teach the truth despite the opposition.
- Betrayal by Judas: One of Christ’s own disciples, Judas, betrayed him by identifying him to the authorities who sought to arrest him. But Jesus remained steadfast, facing his accusers without fear and remaining true to his message.
- Crucifixion: Despite the physical and emotional torture he endured during his crucifixion, Jesus remained steady in his commitment to God and to his mission of saving us. He forgave his tormentors and prayed for their salvation.
Overall, Christ’s steadfastness was rooted in his unwavering commitment to His…
✅ truth
✅ mission
✅ faith in the Father
✅ great joy and love for us
Christ’s example continues to inspire people all over the world to remain steadfast in the face of adversity and live a life of courage, love and purpose.
Ruth remained steadfast in the Bible
The story of Ruth is one of the most popular stories in the Bible. As we see from her life, she was love and faith in action and had a deep respect and fear of God.
“Ruth was an ordinary person with an extraordinary commitment to those things she valued most – her God and her family,” Church News
Ruth also demonstrated unwavering faith in some powerful ways:
- Her loyalty to Naomi: Ruth’s steadfastness is most famously demonstrated in her loyalty to her mother-in-law, Naomi. After the death of Ruth’s husband, Naomi’s son, Naomi urged Ruth to return to her own people. But Ruth refused to leave Naomi’s side, declaring her famous words: “Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.” Ruth 1:16 NIV
- Hard Working: Ruth’s steadfastness is also seen in her willingness to work hard to provide for herself and Naomi. She gathered grain in the fields, working from early morning until evening, to gather enough food for the two of them.
- Honesty and Integrity: When Ruth approached Boaz, a wealthy landowner, to ask for his protection and help, she did so with honesty and integrity. She did not try to manipulate or deceive him but spoke openly and honestly about her situation.
- Obedience to God: Ruth’s unwavering faith is also demonstrated through her obedience to God. She chose to follow God and to align herself with Naomi’s people and culture, despite the fact that she was a Moabite woman.
Her steadfastness is characterized by her…
✅ loyalty
✅ obedience to God
✅ hard work
✅ honesty
Ruth’s example has inspired countless women throughout history to remain unmoving in the works God calls us to, and to trust Him for His provision.
She gives us a beautiful demonstration of what happens when we continue to do the Lord’s work, even in difficult times.
Paul was steadfast in the Bible
The apostle Paul endured his share of suffering. In fact, he probably experienced more suffering than you or I ever will.
But throughout his ministry, Paul remained unmovable in his faith in God, and he didn’t waste a single moment of his suffering.
- Endured persecution: Paul was imprisoned, beaten, and stoned for his preaching. But he remained steadfast in his faith and commitment to spreading the Gospel. He saw his suffering as an opportunity to testify to the truth of Christ and to encourage other believers to remain faithful.
- Maintained his mission: Despite opposition and setbacks, Paul remained steadfast in his mission to spread the Gospel and establish churches throughout the Mediterranean. He endured long journeys, shipwrecks, and other dangers, but still continued to preach and teach with boldness and conviction.
- Trusted in God to provide: Paul’s steadfastness was rooted in his unwavering trust in God’s provision. He wrote, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:11-13 NIV
- Humility and repentance: Paul demonstrated steadfastness in his willingness to acknowledge his own weaknesses and failures, and to seek forgiveness and renewal through Christ. In Romans 7:15, Paul wrote, “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.” NIV. He also urged other believers to confess their sins and to turn to God for forgiveness and grace.
We see Paul’s steadfastness in his…
✅ commitment to spreading the Good News about Jesus
✅ humility throughout his ministry
✅ trust in God’s purpose for him
✅ endurance in the face of adversity
His example continues to inspire Christians today. He helps us remain steadfast in our faith and commitment to serving God above all else.
Whether Paul was ministering to a large crowd, or in his prison cell, he used every situation as an opportunity to fulfill his calling.
He could’ve easily camped out in his pain and suffering, but every day he choose to keep serving God. And let’s face it, when the world comes crashing down around us, that’s not easy to do!
Am I right?
We often get so caught up in the pain of our circumstances that we forget our faithful God will use them to make a difference in the lives around us.
Throughout his imprisonment and great physical suffering, Paul stayed the course. He reminds us that even in our suffering, we shouldn’t waste our time, wallowing in the pain.
THE Prophet Elisha was steadfast IN THE BIBLE
We can also turn to the prophet Elisha as another great example of how to remain steadfast in our faith in God.
In 1st and 2nd Kings, we learn about Elisha and how he followed the prophet, Elijah, in order to learn from him and eventually take his place.
Elisha took his calling very seriously. In 2nd Kings, we see that three times Elisha was told to “stay here” while Elijah went into each new town.
And in each of those instances, Elijah replied,
“As surely as the Lord lives and you yourself live, I will never leave you!” 2 Kings, Chapter 2
He knew that all we have and are, come from God.
The lessons on steadfastness from Elisha include:
- Following Elijah: Elisha was unwavering in his commitment to following the prophet Elijah, even when others mocked him for doing so. When Elijah was taken up into heaven in a whirlwind, Elisha asked for a double portion of his spirit, and he received it. He then carried on Elijah’s prophetic ministry, performing miracles and speaking truth to power.
- Serving God faithfully: Elisha was steadfast in his service to God, even when it meant risking his life. He prophesied against kings and nations, called for repentance and obedience, and spoke words of comfort and encouragement to God’s people. He was also known for his kindness and compassion toward others, as demonstrated in his healing of the sick and the poor.
- Enduring opposition: Elisha faced opposition from those who opposed God’s message and sought to silence his voice. He was mocked by young men in one instance and threatened by foreign armies in another. But Elisha remained steadfast in his faith and his mission, trusting in God’s protection and provision.
- Trusting in God’s power: Elisha demonstrated steadfastness in his trust in God’s power to work miracles and provide for his needs.
Elisha’s steadfastness was characterized by his…
✅ commitment to God’s purpose
✅ endurance in the face of opposition
✅ willingness to serve faithfully
✅ trust in God’s power and provision
His example continues to inspire us today as we remain steadfast in our faith and our commitment to God’s will.
Elisha had a firm determination to live for God, and his story teaches us that if we’re going to fulfill our ultimate calling, we must remain faithful and steadfast.
Another important lesson from Elisha is that when we’re determined to follow God, we will come up against opposition. But just like Elisha, we can choose to remain steadfast in our calling.
Lessons from steadfast in the bible
“Times of suffering or waiting are not times to waste by doing nothing. There are always ways to serve the Lord and be faithful to share the gospel, especially in times of distress.” Steve Swartz, D.Min
In the stories mentioned above, we learn that…
- Our suffering is never just about us.
- God’s great mercy, love and power shine brighter in the midst of our suffering.
- We can use our pain and anguish to help others through their trials.
- When we CHOOSE to remain steadfast, we will come up against opposition.
How do we remain steadfast
There are several things we can do in order to remain steadfast and unmovable. So let’s dig in and take a look.
steadfast in the bible
To remain steady in the midst of our trials, we have to learn about the character of God, by getting into the Word.
“To accurately handle the word of truth, we must not only read the Bible, but we must allow it to become part of us. Its truth should so penetrate our minds and hearts that it shapes our thinking and our actions.” Got Questions
We must be intentional in order to gain the Biblical wisdom we need to help us remain firm in our faith.
Every time you sit down to read scripture, ask God for His truth and wisdom. And when you hear something that doesn’t align with what you’ve read or heard, ask for His clarity and perspective.
Do a quick Google search on the verse you’re reading to gain a better understanding of what you’re reading.
Forge a personal relationship with God
We find the source of our steadfast faith in God Himself, so it’s important that we forge a relationship with God.
In order to experience peace and fulfillment, we must grow closer to God. By forging and nurturing a relationship with Him, we understand His character and can stand on the hope of the gospel.
This helps us allow His strength to carry us through the hard times.
Suiting up with the whole armor of God through prayer
There are many Bible verses on the importance of prayer. And when we stay in constant communication with Him, it brings us from the realm of religion into a deep and personal relationship with Him.
“Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.” Ephesians 6:18 NLT
Steadfast in temptation
“7 So submit yourselves to the one true God and fight against the devil and his schemes. If you do, he will run away in failure. 8 Come close to the one true God, and He will draw close to you. Wash your hands; you have dirtied them in sin. Cleanse your heart, because your mind is split down the middle, your love for God on one side and selfish pursuits on the other.” James 4:7-8 The Voice
Everyone faces temptation at one time or another, and it can be incredibly difficult to resist.
However, when we forge a relationship with God and draw closer to Him, we can rely on His strength and guidance to help us through.
steadfast in obedience
In order to grow closer to God and learn how to remain steadfast in our faith, we must also walk in obedience.
Oh, I know how difficult this is. But the more we learn how to step out and go where God is calling us, the more we begin to experience a fulfilled life.
Just like the apostle Paul, we, too, must continue to walk in obedience, even when it’s hard.
“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” Galatians 6:9 NLT
Steadfast in hope
We are called to never give up our hope in God.
And the more we…
- read the Bible
- continue to pray
- work on our relationship with Him
…the easier it’ll be to remain steadfast in hope as we wait for our desires to happen.
“11 We want you all to continue working until the end so that you’ll realize the certainty that comes with hope 12 and not grow lazy. We want you to walk in the footsteps of the faithful who came before you, from whom you can learn to be steadfast in pursuing the promises of God.” Hebrews 6:11-12 The Voice
Our gift FROM God
Although we aren’t steadfast for the gifts we receive, when we CHOOSE to remain unwavering in the name of the Lord, the rewards become the byproduct of our faith in Him.
“6 He will pay all people back for what they have done. 7 He will give everlasting life to those who search for glory, honor, and immortality by persisting in doing what is good. But he will bring 8 anger and fury on those who, in selfish pride, refuse to believe the truth and who follow what is wrong.” Romans 2:6-8 GW
Renewal of Your Mind and Spirit
It’s not easy to remain unwavering in the midst of our trials and challenges.
But throughout scripture, we’re encouraged to be persistent in all areas of our Christian Life. And when we tap into the power and renewal of the Holy Spirit, He becomes the steadfast anchor for the soul.
It’s when we begin to experience perfect peace, even when everything around us seems to be falling apart.
We can see in the examples I mentioned in this post that we don’t need special credentials in order to remain steadfast in God. He uses ordinary people, like you and me.
Men and women who’ve experienced great loss and deep suffering, yet CHOSE to remain firm in the face of it all. They demonstrated great devotion by putting the Kingdom of God above all else.
I know it’s tempting to give up when things aren’t going the way you want. You’ll often feel as if there’s no hope. But it’s in those times you must remember that having faith in God isn’t a feeling.
It’s a choice you must make every day.
And when you CHOOSE to remain unmoving in your faith, you’ll begin to see what God can do with a willing heart.
Remaining Steadfast in the Bible
We can handle many trials throughout our life with more clarity when we remember God’s steadfast love for us. And it all begins with a firm foundation in our living God.
If you need help and accountability to remain steadfast in your faith, be sure to check out the Grow Your Faith Community.
In this growing community of women, I teach you how to take scripture and apply it to your own life, so you can remain unmoving and hopeful in the face of your trials and challenges.
Plus it’s an incredible group of women ready to…
- stand in the trials with you
- listen when you need an ear
- encourage you to remain steadfast
- help you see that you’re not alone
The Grow Your Faith Community isn’t always open, so make sure you get on the waiting list here, so you’ll know when the doors open.
Thanks for stopping by the blog today. Before you leave, be sure to check out some of my reader favorites below.
Stay steadfast, my friend and the God of all grace will show up for you every single time!
Learning how to put our complete trust in God isn’t easy. We say we trust God, but what we really mean is that we trust Him for what we want, when we want it. At Footprints of Inspiration we uncover who you are and why you were created; how to walk in healing through forgiveness; and how to go before the Lord with confidence. Through this journey, you’ll discover that it truly is possible to experience peace, even in the hardest times in your life.
Tammy Rotzoll is the founder and owner of Footprints of Inspiration and podcast host at A Faithful God Podcast (which can be found on your favorite podcast player). She lives in Virginia with her husband and together they’re learning how to navigate their fun, new adventure as empty nesters.
Join Tammy and the FOI community and discover the freedom that comes from saying, “Heck yeah, God! I’m all in!”