In a world where uncertainty is the norm, it can be difficult to remain steadfast in our faith. We often find ourselves wondering if God will really fulfill the promises He’s made. Life’s trials and the seeming delays in answers to prayer can shake our confidence. Yet, the Bible calls us to be fully persuaded that God’s promises are true and that His character is unchanging.
One of the clearest examples of unwavering faith is Abraham. In Romans 4:20-21, we read, "Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised." Abraham’s faith wasn’t perfect, but when faced with what seemed impossible—becoming a father at an advanced age—he chose to trust God’s power and faithfulness. He didn’t waver, but instead, he strengthened his faith by focusing on God’s ability to do the impossible.
James also speaks about the importance of unwavering faith:
“But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind” (James 1:6, NIV).
Faith that wavers leads to instability, but God desires that we be steadfast, trusting Him fully. James warns us that doubt can make us “double-minded,” unable to fully receive the blessings God has for us. This doesn’t mean we will never experience doubt, but when we do, we are called to return our focus to God’s unchanging character.
Our faith is strengthened when we remind ourselves of God’s character. The Bible is full of promises that point to God’s faithfulness and truthfulness:
Numbers 23:19 reminds us:
“God is not human, that He should lie, not a human being, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and then not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?”
God's promises are sure because He is unchanging. Unlike humans, God does not waver or break His word.
Hebrews 10:23 encourages us to “hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.”
This verse reinforces that God's faithfulness is the anchor for our hope. We can trust Him to do what He has promised because His faithfulness never fails.
Malachi 3:6 (NIV):
“I the Lord do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed.”
God’s eternal consistency is the reason we can trust His promises and have confidence that He will not abandon us.
Psalm 145:8-9 (NIV):
“The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The Lord is good to all; He has compassion on all He has made.”
This verse is a reminder of God’s constant compassion toward all creation. He is not only steadfast but also deeply loving and merciful.
Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV):
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.”
God’s mercy is renewed every day. No matter how many times we falter, His compassion is inexhaustible.
James 1:17 (NIV):
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
This verse speaks of God’s immutability—He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
How can we practically remain steadfast in our faith, fully persuaded like Abraham? Here are a few ways:
Remember God’s Faithfulness:
Reflect on the ways God has answered prayers in the past. Keeping a journal of answered prayers can remind you of His faithfulness when doubts arise.
Meditate on Scripture:
Immerse yourself in God’s Word, especially passages that remind you of His promises and character. The more you know about God, the stronger your faith will be.
Pray for Stronger Faith:
When we struggle with doubt, we can pray like the man in Mark 9:24, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” Asking God to strengthen our faith is a humble acknowledgment of our dependence on Him.
Stay in Community:
Surround yourself with believers who can encourage and build your faith. Hearing testimonies of how others have seen God’s promises fulfilled can bolster your trust in His faithfulness.
Remember God's Sovereignty:
Life may not unfold as we expect, but God’s timing is perfect. His promises will never fail, even if they take longer than we’d like. As Isaiah 55:11 says, God’s Word will not return empty but will accomplish what He desires.
Ultimately, being fully persuaded in faith means we trust in God’s character. We trust that He is faithful, true, and powerful to bring about every promise He has made. When doubts creep in, we can focus on God’s unchanging nature and remind ourselves of His proven faithfulness. The same God who was with Abraham, who parted the Red Sea, and who raised Jesus from the dead is the God who walks with us today. His promises are sure, and we can rest fully persuaded that He will do what He has said.