Right now, think about your life. If I asked you to list stubborn people in your life, could you come up with at least one? Maybe a list a mile long? I think part of being human is being stubborn in one way or another. Some of us wear it proudly, others not so much.
What we often label as “stubbornness” can actually be a form of determination. What we once called “determination” earlier in life can be seen as “stubbornness” later in life, yet it’s the same steadfast spirit that keeps us holding on.
What about you? What are your own areas of determination—or stubbornness? I know I can name a few of my own for sure.
One area where I know I’m stubborn? Trying to carry every single grocery bag in one trip. I will risk cutting off circulation to my fingers before I make two trips. My kids shake their heads, but I refuse to give in.
Another silly area I’m stubborn in? Hitting snooze several times even though I know I should just get up and get the day started. Somehow, in my half-asleepedness, I convince myself those extra five-minute increments will make a difference.
One area where my stubborn streak really gets me is perfectionism. I’ll moan, groan, edit, and rewrite a blog over and over before I finally post it. I want my writing to be just right. But God, in His grace, is teaching me to be less determined in perfection and more obedient instead.
It’s funny how we can be so determined over things like this, but when it comes to faith—holding on to God’s promises—we sometimes let go too easily. What if we had that same iron grip on faith, refusing to let go no matter what?
This week, during a Bible study I attend, the phrase “stubborn faith” was spoken. It lodged in my heart. If there’s one thing worth being stubborn in, what better thing than faith?
We all have seasons where disappointment, anger, anxiety, or some other heavy weight feels stubborn. It pops it’s head up over and over, affecting our way of life. Worry can be like that (Philippians 4:6-7). But what if we had a reframe? What if, instead of focusing on stubborn unbelief, we focused on being stubborn in our faith? What if we said, “I’m going to keep holding on, knowing that the promises of God are coming through for me”?
Holding on in faith sure can be messy. It isn’t a perfectly traveled road, lined with roses and sunshine. It’s a lot of grit, holding on through the bad, white-knuckling it, sweat forming on your brow. But what if we look to the example of Abraham? Romans 4:20-21 says,
Abraham’s faith didn’t waver, and neither should ours when we trust God’s promises.
In all the moments, no matter how they present themselves, I want to be known for being stubborn in my faith. I want to hold on, not give up, and trust that God’s promises will come to pass.
I’ve heard ministers talk about having “bulldog faith.” Now, I don’t have a bulldog, but I do have a golden retriever. And when she smells something disgustingly delicious on our walks—like an old chicken bone on the sidewalk, a mystery snack in the grass, or something questionable near the trash containers—it’s impossible to get her to let go. I’ve tried everything! Those of you with dogs (or even cats) know exactly what I’m talking about.
I want to be like that with the things of God. I want to latch onto the good things—His promises—and never let go. No holding onto stinky disbelief or inaction. No! I want to spit that out and get a firm grip on the good, the true, and the faithful promises of God.
Another friend of mine described faith like this: “Faith is knowing something good from God is coming down the pipeline, we just aren’t sure how or when.” Imagine if I’m at the bank (yes, I know, old-fashioned example!) and I’ve asked to withdraw money from the drive-thru. I’m going to wait at the end of that tube that connects to the bank until my money comes out. I’m not going to say, “Well, that was a good try… maybe it will be there next time.” No, if I’ve made a request, I’m going to wait for it to come. I know it will.
So friends, I encourage you today—don’t give up hope. Get a strong grip on your faith and on the promises of God. God has said it, and He will do it (2 Corinthians 1:20). We may not know how, when, or even what step to take next, but what we can do is hold on to faith. Like that dog holding onto the bone, let’s hold on to God’s promises and wait at the pipeline, knowing that what He has promised will come to pass!
In the meantime, use your mouth to encourage yourself. Speak those scriptures aloud. Create meditations and mantras from the Word that align with the things you are waiting on. Watch and see what the Lord will do. Just continue to stand, continue to grip onto the promises, and continue to wait with expectation.
He is not slow in fulfilling His promises (2 Peter 3:9). Don’t get discouraged. Reach out for community and help to encourage you in the Word. If you could use some encouragement today, let me know in the comments. I’d love to cheer you on in the Word.
My prayer:
Lord, it’s so easy to get discouraged, weak, and give up hope in this day and age, with all the circumstances we face. Our eyes see the struggle, and our hearts yearn for Your promises to come to pass, but sometimes, we just don’t see it yet. Help us grow in our faith. Help us hold onto Your promises tightly, unrelentingly, knowing that we will see them fulfilled because You are faithful to keep Your Word (1 Thessalonians 5:24). Strengthen us to remain steadfast, true, and focused on Your unchanging faithfulness. You will come through for us. We ask for Your help to live out this determined, stubborn faith—no matter what our eyes see—and to keep moving forward with confidence, trusting in Your timing. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
Until next time,
Melanie Talevski 