Walk Steadfast

INTRODUCTION
In a society that glorifies instant gratification and quick results, most have lost the ability to remain steadfast. Steadfastness is key to seeing the promises of God fulfilled in our lives. When running a race, runners have two options: to choose to quit or to choose to keep going and finish. They may not feel up to the challenge, but they’re determined to see the prize at the finish line. The good news is that what matters most is not what we feel like doing; it’s about what we’ve determined in our hearts to do. Let’s determine to discover God’s promises!
As for me, my faith journey right now is as “simple” as walking. Walking – the act of putting one foot in front of the other, an act resulting in moving from one place to another. Was action that was said to be impossible for me. I was told at the age of two that I would never be able to walk without assistance.
“It had been difficult to believe the day before the day. The day after the day, it was impossible not to believe.” – Mark Batterson, The Circle Maker
My first “the day” moment happened when I was five. I was in kindergarten, and I had a wonderful teacher - Mr. Collins. He believed in me, and for some reason that made me believe in myself. One day on the way to lunch, he made me walk down the hallway by myself. I remember crying, thinking it was impossible. I had always relied on other people or my crutches. I had never known what it was like to walk freely.
With a friend close by, I took my first steps. Crying and afraid; I did it. That five-year-old girl did it! What was pronounced as an impossibility, I accomplished! But not on my own. I had the support of my teacher, my friend, and, most importantly, God. I could not have done it without God.
As I got older, I always wondered about a phrase I saw on posters at school. It read, "All I really need to know I learned in Kindergarten." – Robert Fulghum
That phrase stuck with me. I believed there was truth in that statement, but that the truth I take away from it would be different than what others take away from it.
Then, one day, in worship, The Lord revealed to me what I had wondered for so long. What was the truth in that statement for me? Why had it resonated with me?
“Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” Luke 18:27, (NIV)
“Nothing is impossible with God” is a fundamental truth that I learned in kindergarten, and that is what my faith believes even now – with God all things are possible. Let's dive into His truth together. There are things yet to come that may have been pronounced as impossible in your life, and I am writing to tell you they are not!
Building on The Foundation
“The strong spirit of a man sustains him in bodily pain or trouble, but a weak and broken spirit who can raise up or bear?” – Proverbs 18:14, (AMPC)
The key to steadfast living is training our spirits to be strong. A strong spirit of a man sustains us. “Sustain” in this verse is the Hebrew word “Kuwl” which means “to maintain, abide, bear, hold, and provide sustenance.” Our spirit is the most important thing to keep strong because it can provide us with an oasis in times of pain or trouble, if nourished.
“You will keep in perfect peace
those whose minds are steadfast,
because they trust in you.” Isaiah 26:3, NIV
Those whose minds are steadfast can also be translated as “those whose minds cannot be changed”, “whose minds are stayed on You,” and “people who maintain their faith.” Because the Lord has graciously helped me maintain my faith in times of bodily pain and trouble, I have learned how to strengthen my spirit and overcome barriers to see the impossible become possible in my life.
I want to let you in on the truths that have launched me into my destiny. You may not be aiming to walk literally, but we’re all aiming for something! And, if you’re not, I believe that you will aim for new dreams, goals, and possibilities with much inspiration after reading the words contained in this book. The Lord prompted me to write this book so that you can begin to walk and move into His realities of promise. That’s not a typo. God’s promises are more of a reality in your life than your current circumstance or struggle.
God has so many promises for you! Will you take a walk with me? Let’s move into your promised land.


PART ONE: OVERCOMING OBSTACLES

ONE
The Steadfast Spirit
“One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up.”
– Luke 18:1, (NLT)

The days following "the day" in Kindergarten were not all rosy. I still had many challenges to face and many obstacles to overcome. Despite the fact that I had the freedom to take a few steps, I still had to rely on my crutches to assist me in walking. I used them at all times in public. But, at home, I would attempt to walk without them. I desperately wanted to experience more mobility growing up. But progress rarely comes easily in anything.
Impossibility tries to grip everyone at one time or another. Facing struggles and adversity for an extended period of time alters the thought process. What limits you will attempt to become the loudest influence defining you. It's important to utilize your authority and decide who or what defines you.