SteadfastSample

We’ve looked at how Jesus is our anchor, how David found strength in God, how trust in the waiting makes us strong, and how our minds can be renewed to become steadfast. But today, let’s look to Jesus Himself as the ultimate example of steadfastness.

In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus faced one of the most painful moments of His life. He knew the cross was before Him. He knew betrayal, abandonment, suffering, and death were hours away. The weight of the world’s sin was pressing down on Him. If there was ever a moment that could have robbed someone of peace, steadfastness, and the call of God—it was this one.

And yet, what does Jesus do? He goes to the Father. He doesn’t deny His emotions—He feels the sorrow, the anguish, the heaviness. He prays with honesty: “Father, if it is possible, take this cup from me. Yet not my will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42).

Jesus shows us that steadfastness isn’t about pretending we’re not hurting. It isn’t about shutting down our emotions or “just being strong.” It’s about taking everything we feel—our fear, our doubt, our weakness—straight to God. It’s about surrender.

And when Jesus does this, He finds the strength to keep walking in obedience. He faces the cross with peace, courage, and resolve. He remains steadfast because His eyes are fixed on His Father.

Author Dallas Willard once described Jesus as being the most relaxed person who ever lived. Even in storms, even when the disciples panicked, Jesus rested—sometimes literally, asleep in the boat! Why? Because His trust in the Father was unshakable. His peace didn’t come from circumstances, but from His relationship with God.

The good news is this: if you follow Jesus, the same Spirit that strengthened Jesus in the garden now lives in you. You don’t have to muster up steadfastness on your own—you can process your emotions with God, fix your eyes on Jesus, and let His Spirit fill you with peace and strength.

Steadfastness isn’t the absence of trouble. It’s the presence of God in the middle of it.

What is one area of your life right now where you feel shaken? How can you bring it honestly to God today, like Jesus did in the garden, and ask Him for strength to remain steadfast?