“And they continued steadfastly…” Acts 2:42-47 is considered one of the best descriptions of the life and activity of the first-century church. The entire passage lists twelve attributes that are essential in every healthy church. The first attribute is often overlooked, but I believe it is one of the most vital. Continuing steadfastly is absolutely necessary for a Christ-follower and for a church. The Greek word means, “to be earnest towards, that is, to persevere, be constantly diligent.” It can also be translated as “courageous.”
In Acts, we see many amazing things happening. Thousands of people are converted to Christ when Peter preaches to the crowds. Not long afterwards, persecution arises as the religious and political leaders oppose the early church. There are arrests, imprisonments, torture, even martydom. Yet through it all, the church continues steadfastly—they don’t give up. The enemy and the world can throw a lot of stuff at us, real stuff, painful opposition, but the only way they can win in this battle of faith is if we give up. Every time we face hardship, disappointment, temptation, being let down by others—any of the ways that life wears our faith down—we are being tempted to give up. It is during those times we are to continue steadfastly.
This same truth is commanded in Hebrews 10:35-36: “Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.” Confidence and endurance is essential in order to remain faithful to God’s call. Our confidence is not in ourselves and our own ability. Rather, our confidence is in the faithfulness of Christ.
Hebrews 12:1-2 reads, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting Him, He endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now He is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne.” In the midst of the chaos of life and the multitude of challenges, we must learn to stay focused on Jesus. He is our source and our destination. As long as we keep Him in sight, we can get through whatever life throws at us.
An important key to doing this is learning to find Jesus in the moment, in the pain, temptation, or trial. He has not left you. He promised He never would forsake us. But when life is hard, it’s easy to lose sight of Him. That’s when it is vital that we know God’s Word and know how to tune into the voice of the Holy Spirit and follow His lead. Be courageous, be steadfast, and in doing so you will triumph over every obstacle.