As we continue our journey exploring the attributes of the divine nature and reflecting on how we can become partakers of that divine nature, we come to steadfastness.  Once again, we consider Peter’s teaching from his second epistle:

³ His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, ⁴ by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. ⁵ For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, ⁶ and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, ⁷ and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. ⁸ For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁹ For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. ¹⁰ Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. ¹¹ For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (II Peter 1:3-11)

As someone who grew up loving history, I am mindful of famous examples of steadfastness.  The American Civil War provides two cases of men gaining reputations for being steadfast under pressure and amidst great danger.  The instance took place on July 21, 1861, during the first pitched battle between the Northern and Southern armies. Initially the Union force had the initiative, threatening to drive back the Confederate soldiers. As the Confederate lines began to crumble, General Bernard Bee uttered the famous words, “Look, there stands Jackson like a stonewall, rally around the Virginians!” From that point forward, Thomas Jonathan Jackson would be known as “Stonewall” Jackson. Just a few years later a general fighting for the opposite side would win the nom de guerre “the Rock of Chickamauga.” General George Thomas’ forces stood fast in the midst of the Battle of Chickamauga, breaking a Confederate assault and salvaging the day for the Union forces.  A third and final example, though there are doubtless more, comes from the next century and a different continent.  Shortly after America’s entry in the First World War, the 3^rd Infantry Division found itself squarely in the middle of the Second Battle of the Marne. Despite the Americans being novices compared to their English and French allies who had been at war for years, the Doughboys held firm, earning the nickname “the Rock of the Marne” the division still carries over a century later. 

Though opportunities to display steadfastness seem to come more often during armed conflict, they also present themselves in the regular course of living our everyday lives.  I still remember quite vividly when my mom was diagnosed with cancer. As though the diagnosis wasn’t bad enough, it came as my dad was several years into his own battle with cancer. My mom had always been a loving, steady presence in my life, but it wasn’t until her battle with cancer that I realized her steadfastness. The trial of battling this horrible disease, while also supporting my dad’s own battle with it, provided a new context in which what was always there became apparent.

One of the reasons we remain steadfast during trials is because we believe in the possibility of a brighter future. James highlights this motivation in his epistle when he writes:

⁷ Be patient, therefore, brothers,  until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. ⁸ You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. ⁹ Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. ¹⁰ As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. ¹¹ Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful. (James 5:7-11)

When instructing the recipients of this letter to be patient, he makes it clear that their patience will not be necessary for an infinite period.  There is a clear moment when their patience will no longer be needed, specifically when the Lord returns. Until that time, we are to take on the attitude of a farmer. Farmers understand that a lot must happen, and a significant amount of time must transpire between the planting of the seed and the harvest. The farmer demonstrates patience because they know that while they wait, the seed is using the nutrients and water it receives to grow and become what it is destined to be. It is not a process that can be rushed. As an example of how this patience can manifest itself in our personal lives, James offers the example of Job. Despite tremendous sorrow, material loss, and illness, Job remained steadfast.  The present didn’t offer much hope, but he knew that because the Lord was in control the future could be better. 

Of course, the ultimate example of steadfastness is Christ himself. In fact, the author of Hebrews instructs us to look to Jesus as an anchor capable of mooring us in place when upon life’s billows we are tempest tossed.

¹⁹ We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, ²⁰ where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. (Hebrews 6:19-20)

And so, the strength with which we remain steadfast is not our own, but Christ’s strength within us. This is not theoretical steadfastness; it is the steadfastness with which he resisted Satan’s temptations in the wilderness.  It is the steadfastness with which he prayed, “nevertheless, not my will but yours be done” in the Garden of Gethsemane.  It is the steadfastness with which he interceded on behalf of his executioners, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

To become completely steadfast is to become perfectly one with the Lord, because ultimately steadfastness is not a human attribute, it is an aspect of the divine nature.  That nature can only be revealed amidst great trials. Steadfastness can only be demonstrated when there is great external pressure.  Thomas Jonathan Jackson never becomes Stonewall without facing danger and possible disaster.  George Thomas only becomes known as the Rock of Chickamauga because of his calm in great peril.  The enduring legacy of the 3^rd Infantry Division as the “Rock of the Marne” was built on the ability to repel repeated enemy assaults.  Your version of steadfastness probably won’t manifest itself on a battlefield. It might be revealed in a cancer ward, by the grave of a loved one, or when confronted with scarcity at a time of great need. When those times come and our own nature fails us, we partake of the divine nature found in Christ and remain immovable, not because of our own fortitude, because we are anchored by Jesus, the embodiment of steadfastness. 

Juston Simmons lives in Glenmora, LA–He’s the minister at Glenmora Church of Christ