In I Corinthians 15:58, we learn that it’s important to the Christian faith to be “steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord our labor is not in vain.”

Paul encouraged the Corinthian church and he is encouraging us today to remain faithful and spiritual grounded. He also encouraged the church at Ephesus in Ephesians 4:14 that a steadfast person shouldn’t be “tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching.”

Let’s be clear, Paul is primarily teaching believers to stand firm on God’s word and not false doctrine (man’s word) because many Christians back then and also today fall victim to all kinds of deception. In another letter to Corinth, Paul expressed similar concerns and he said, “I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:3).

Interchangeably, we can equally apply Paul’s teaching regarding deceptive and misleading doctrine to our lives in overcoming everyday challenges, stress and threats. With that being said, the more common definition of steadfast is firmly fixed in place; firm in purpose; immovable; not subject to change; unwavering. So essentially, these two terms are one of the same and thus can be used interchangeably.

But more importantly, it’s equally beneficial to note that in order to be steadfast and immovable sufferings has to be part of it (See Romans 5). You see, the beauty in suffering is gravitational because sufferings pulls us closer to Christ, and it allows us to become more like Him.

When we are steadfast and immovable we are rewarded for our obedience. The rewards are usually not in the form of monetary gain or improved status. The primary reward is spiritual maturity. We begin to appreciate what we have more and examine all of the ways God has blessed us in spite of the challenges, stress or threats. If we allow hard times to teach us; we will undoubtedly grow closer to God. That’s the goal, right?!

Look at it from this spiritual lens, when times are tough, Satan sees an opportunity to attack us. He walks around like a lion ready to destroy us (John 10:10). Often in the Bible he is called the destroyer (I Peter 5:8). This is why we need Christ’s strength because we cannot endure the devils attacks on our own.

I know for myself when times are tough, I am tempted to sin and do things that I would regret later. It’s in those times I need God more than ever. It’s in those moments that I have no other option than to be steadfast and immovable as wavering is never an option.

Beloved, God calls us to use these times to depend on Him, and to deepen our relationship with Him. If we do, the reward is a crown of life that He promised to us (James 1:12).

In closing, we can safely trust in God and His goodness, regardless of the challenge, stress or threats. I know it doesn’t make it easy, but it does bring solace, peace and comfort. Therefore, we can rest in the knowledge that He holds all of our circumstances in His hands and we can safely trust that even if we stumble, God will remain steadfast-immovable and because He can—-so can we!