Steadfast: 1. not subject to change or 2. firm in belief, determination, or adherence
How steadfast are we in our devotion to God? James writes that trials strengthen faith and faith produces steadfastness. Only when steadfastness has had "its full effect" will we be perfect and complete. This side of heaven, I doubt that will ever happen.
Sure we say we have complete faith in God, but what about when the message from the nurse at the women's clinic says, "Please give us a call Monday morning. We need you to schedule a follow-up visit." How steadfast is our initial reaction when the boss calls you into her office on a Friday at 4 p.m. and starts the conversation with, "This not easy for me. . ."
Hopefully after the initial reaction, shock, and fear dissipate the steadfast faith will kick in. But first reactions are too often the true arbiter of our inner-self. Sadly though it is these types of scenarios just described that test our faith and it is through these tests our faith grows. It seems ironic (perhaps unfair) that the types of things we wish to avoid are necessary to bring us into a fuller faith in God and matures us as Christians.
As our Lord and Savior prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” Luke 22:42 ESV Look at what Christ achieved through his steadfastness all the way to the cross.
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