Step by Step

STEADFAST — A Devotional Series, continued

In this series, we first considered how the word steadfast might serve as a guiding theme for the year [What Is Your Theme Word?][link]. 

We then reflected on the practical implications of trusting God's ways of using us ([Let God Choose][link]).

This devotional continues that journey by turning our attention to how steadfastness is built up and proven over time—one step at a time.

Trusting the God Who Knows All Things

Living with a steadfast heart doesn't mean having all the answers. It means learning to trust the One who does.

When you resolve to walk steadfastly with God, you can trust Him to order your steps. The fulfillment of His purposes becomes a matter of faithful obedience, step by step.

Scripture assures us that we can trust God, because He knows the end from the beginning. Consider Isaiah's declaration:

"I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is none like Me,
declaring the end from the beginning,
and from ancient times things that are not yet done…"
(Isaiah 46:9–10, NKJV)

God knows every detail of everything throughout all eternity:

"Known to God from eternity are all His works."
(Acts 15:18, NKJV)

Steadfast faith rests in the assurance that God is never improvising with our lives. Jesus Himself is the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).

We may not know the way forward, but He does. God knows each footstep.

"The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord,
and He delights in his way."
(Psalm 37:23, NKJV)

This is good to know and remember—God delights in our small, uncertain steps. When we walk in faithfulness, our journey brings Him joy.

Jesus Himself reassures us that He is the Good Shepherd who leads our lives. He does not send us out to fend for ourselves:

"And when He brings out His own sheep, He goes before them;
and the sheep follow Him, for they know His voice."
(John 10:4, NKJV)

You don't have to know it all. You only need to know the One who knows all things.

Light to Know the Way

We can find peace of mind in the fact that God rarely gives us a full map—only enough light for the next step.

"Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path."
(Psalm 119:105, NKJV)

A lamp has a limited range of illumination—only showing what is right in front of you. But that is usually enough.

We want to know God’s whole plan and see the entire journey mapped out before us, but God invites us to trust Him with each step as it comes.

Whether your life feels simple or impossibly complex, steadfastness looks the same: acknowledging God in all your ways and trusting Him to direct your path (Proverbs 3:5).

Walking Forward

My prayer is that these truths encourage your journey of walking in steadfast faith in this season of your life.

You don't need to know what comes next.
You don't have to see the whole path.

You only need to listen for the voice of your Good Shepherd
and follow where He leads.

That is steadfast faith—one step at a time.

A Closing Prayer

Faithful God,
You know the way we should take, even when we do not.
Help us to trust You with every step,
and to walk steadily with You when the road is unknown.
Teach us to hear Your voice,
and follow where You lead, one step of faith after another.

We place our lives in Your hands,
knowing that You are faithful to go before us.
Amen.

PS. 

Much of this Steadfast devotional series has been shaped by the songs on my upcoming project, Keep the Faith. Those songs were written first—out of friction and fragility, doubts and deep longings—and they helped give language to what later became this year's guiding theme. Release Date: February 6 at https://robstill.bandcamp.com/