REMAINING STEADFAST

By Pastor Wes Poole

Isaiah 26:3

Those of steadfast mind you keep in peace—in peace because they trust in you. – NRSV

An old Native American tale recounts the story of a chief who was telling a gathering of young people about the struggle within. “It is like two dogs fighting inside of us,” the chief told them. “There is one good dog who wants to do the right and the other dog always wants to do the wrong. Sometimes the good dog seems stronger and is winning the fight. But sometimes the bad dog is stronger and wrong is winning the fight. “Who is going to win in the end?” a young man asks. The chief answered “The one you feed.”

It’s a familiar story perhaps, but one that continues to be relevant. We have a lot of folks telling us today to be steadfast in doing what is right. Wear your mask, get your vaccinations, maintain proper distancing, the list goes on. More than likely, even the most compliant among us are tired of it all, yet we push through and keep going, hoping that the tide will turn and all will be well again. That hope is not in vain, difficult as it may be to maintain. The prophet Isaiah reminds us above that for the believer, the notion of remaining steadfast in doing good takes on added meaning. In Hebrew, the word that gets translated “steadfast” means “to lean upon”, “to rest upon” or “to lean against”. Of course, Isaiah was speaking of the unshakable and unending source of strength that is our God; God, who is always the true source of steadfast love and support. When we start to find it hard to do or say or act upon what we know to be right. When we need to “feed the good dog”, we have but to open the pages of scripture and ponder upon the great things God has done for us in Jesus Christ. The path of righteousness, as it were, may not always be the easiest one, but because the steadfast love of God is always there for us, we have but to draw from that bottomless well, and find strength for whatever the challenge or the difficulty we face demands. For now, friends, let us all remain steadfast and committed to doing what is right and good; caring for each other and letting all people know of the unending steadfastness of God in caring for His children.

Let us pray…

God of all goodness, keep us steadfast in your Word and in our response to it. Inspire us to re-commit ourselves to taking care of our neighbor, and building one another up in the desire to do good things in your Name. We have but to call on you and we will find peace, and all that we need to face the challenges of this life. We ask these things in the Name of Jesus. Amen.

Be well, we kind, be safe, and stand fast in the Lord!

Blessings always,

Pastor Wes Poole †