And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
James 1:4, ESV
In times of great testing, it is not uncommon for people to let go of the one thing that is necessary to carry them through great pain or difficulty. When our faith is tested, James reminds us of how important it is to remain steadfast. We are called to stand firm and steadfast in the faith our Lord has given us. The calling is a clarion call to all whom God has chosen not to fall into dismay or deception. There is no other faith like our faith. We have a Lord who has given Himself for us in order that we may live in eternity with Him and celebrate His glory in our daily lives. He calls us to stand steadfast to the truth He has proclaimed for us. We are meant to be steadfast in keeping to the teachings given to us in His Word. We cannot find the same hope in nature or in the world, which, more often than not, is cruel and unforgiving. In Christ, we have full forgiveness and new life given to us in the sacrifice He made on the Cross. It is on this faith we are given this great gift of steadfastness which leads to the greatest sense of contentment as we realize that our Lord has and continues to provide for us all we need. In this, we can find peace.
Let us pray. I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have kept me this night from all harm and danger, and I ask you to protect me this day also from sin and every evil, that in all I do today, I may please you. For into your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel watch over me, that the wicked foe have no power over me. Amen.