“Therefore…be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 15:58)
Have you ever been called stubborn? Most of us would probably admit to occasionally digging in our heels and insisting on our own way. But what if that fleshly willpower was submitted to God and used for His purposes? When surrendered to the Holy Spirit, determination becomes a godly quality—steadfastness. So what’s the difference between being stubborn and being steadfast?
Stubbornness focuses on pleasing self while steadfastness focuses on pleasing God. Steadfastness is a faith word. It’s having the resolve to be faithful, even when the journey is difficult, the answers are unclear, or the work takes longer than expected.
We see this mindset in Moses, who steadfastly pursued God’s promise to Israel. Moses remained faithful because he consistently pulled his focus back to the One who had called him (Hebrews 11:27). By being immovable in his God-given purpose, Moses illustrated the kind of godly determination Joshua would need to finish the work (Joshua 1:5–6).
But be careful about trying to serve the Lord with a stubborn attitude rather than steadfast faith. Stubbornness might carry you for a while, but it eventually weakens when the work gets hard or the journey gets long. That’s why God repeatedly told Joshua to be strong and courageous (Joshua 1:6–9).
Keep in mind that strength is not self-confidence but God-confidence. We’re to, “Be strong in the Lord and the power of His might” (Ephesians 6:10). Courage is simply faith that has made a decision. That’s why 2 Corinthians 5:7 tells us, “for we walk by faith, not by sight.” Strength and courage are not feelings you wait for—they are decisions you make.
Where is God asking you to be steadfast and immovable for Him? Maybe it’s having the courage to speak up about your faith, stand strong on the truth of Scripture, or step into a new journey of following Him. Whatever it is, faithfully following God will require resolve, strength, and courage.
Fear will always tempt you to walk away from where God is leading you. But remember, courage isn’t the absence of fear—it’s confidence in God’s ability to do what He promises to do. The path ahead might not be familiar, comfortable, or clear, but if you’ll step out in steadfast faith, your efforts will not be wasted because God promises that your labor in Him is never in vain.
