Steadfast vs Dead-fast faith

For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.

Colossians 2:5

What is a steadfast faith? In the Greek language, this word steadfast means built on a firm/fortified foundation. This kind of faith has roots. It is planted and settled deeply. This kind of faith can withstand the challenges of life. It can bring you through heartaches, trials, and fears, making you stronger for having stood through these times.

Steadfast faith is NOT, however, a reliance on self. It isn’t trusting your gut. It’s not even “following your heart”. Jeremiah 17:9 “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” We must fully rely on God and the gift of HIS faith to guide our footsteps.

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.

Proverbs 3:5-7

Steadfast faith isn’t yours, it’s God’s, given to us through His grace. “Dead-fast” faith is our own fleshly faith, exercised in our own power.

Romans 3:22 says “Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe…” Galatians 2:16 and 20 remind us we are saved by the faith of Jesus Christ, and now live our lives justified, and trusting in Him through HIS faith. Ephesians 2:8 says “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God”.

We must remember how weak we are. We can truly do nothing without Him! And we can only be “strong” in our own faith for so long. 2 Peter 3:17 tells us to be careful not to fall from OUR OWN steadfastness.

Your steadfast faith should show in the things you say and do. The way you handle a crisis. The way you encourage and pray for others who are going through trials. How you gracefully (and even joyfully) handle a challenge when it comes your way. We must continually grow in grace and the knowledge of Christ. This is how we prevent our steadfast faith from becoming dead-fast.