5 Keys to Unlocking a Lifestyle of Unwavering Faith
Remembering Abraham, Daniel and Mary
Unwavering faith is a beautiful picture of the kind of faith that we should strive for as Christ followers. This kind of faith is stationary, fixed and steady, offering no confusion or doubt. The writer of Hebrews described our belief in Christ as an anchor for our souls, strong and trustworthy, providing hope even in the midst of life’s storms (Hebrews 6:19).
Let’s take a closer look at three people from the Bible who lived a life of uncompromised faith: Abraham, Daniel and Mary.
Abraham – Destination Unknown
Abraham, known as the “father of faith,” left everything to follow God. In Genesis 12, God told Abraham to leave his home, his family – everything familiar – and travel to a new land that he had never seen. Abraham obeyed without hesitation. Can you imagine what a difficult decision that might have been for Abraham. God asked him to leave everything he knew behind to follow God’s plans.
Abraham’s faith in God was stronger than his fear of the unknown.
Abraham also proved his faith when he was willing to sacrifice his son Isaac, even though it went against his natural instincts as a father. “It was by faith that Abraham offered Isaac as a sacrifice when God was testing him. Abraham, who had received God’s promises, was ready to sacrifice his only son, Isaac, even though God had told him, ‘Isaac is the son through whom your descendants will be counted’” (Hebrews 11:17-19 NLT) Abraham reasoned that if Isaac died, God was able to bring him back to life again. And in a sense, Abraham did receive his son back from the dead.
Abraham’s steady faith rose from his belief that God was faithful and would keep His promises, no matter what. “Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises” (Romans 4:20-21 NLT).
Daniel – Obedience in All Things
Daniel lived during a time of great persecution for the people of Israel. Despite the danger he faced, Daniel continued to trust in God and live according to His will. Even in the face of great dangers that potentially could cost him his life, Daniel remained steadfast in obedience to God.
One of the most well-known stories about Daniel is the story of him being thrown into a den of lions for refusing to worship the Babylonian king. “The king was overjoyed and ordered that Daniel be lifted from the den. Not a scratch was found on him, for he had trusted in his God” (Daniel 6:23 NLT). Daniel’s faith in God protected him from harm, and he emerged from the lion’s den without a single tooth mark.
Daniel’s testimony is more than miraculous events.
Daniel purposed in his heart to live according to God’s will, even in the small things.
“But Daniel was determined not to defile himself by eating the food and wine given to them by the king. He asked the chief of staff for permission not to eat these unacceptable foods” (Daniel 1:8 NLT).
Daniel placed his unwavering faith in God’s character. He knew that God was faithful and would care for him no matter what persecution he faced. Three of Daniel’s closest friends refused to worship the Babylonian king. “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, ‘O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up” (Daniel 3:16-18 NLT).
Like his three friends, Daniel trusted that God was able to save him from harm, but even if He didn’t, he was willing to remain obedient to God.
Mary – Agreement with God
Mary, the mother of Jesus was chosen by God to bring His Son into the world, and she accepted her assignment with complete trust in God. Just imagine the opposition and ridicule she must have faced as a young, unwed Jewish woman in her community.
Mary responded to the angel, Gabriel, when he told her she would bear a son in complete agreement with God’s plans. “Mary responded, ‘I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.’ And then the angel left her” (Luke 1:38 NLT).
Mary submitted completely to God’s plan.
Mary’s unshakable faith was tested throughout her life, especially when she witnessed the crucifixion of her son. But even in the midst of such intense pain and suffering, Mary remained anchored in her hope in God. “Standing near the cross were Jesus’ mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary (the wife of Clopas), and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her, ‘Dear woman, here is your son.’ And he said to this disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ And from then on, this disciple took her into his home” (John 19:25-27 NLT).
Mary’s faith was based on her trust in God’s character. She knew that God was faithful and would keep His promises, no matter what. In Luke 1:46-49 (NLT), we read Mary’s response to God’s plan for her life: “Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed. For the Mighty One is holy, and he has done great things for me.”
So how can we grow in our own faith and live with uncompromised faith like Abraham, Daniel and Mary? Here are five keys to consider:
1. Develop a strong relationship with God through prayer and reading the Bible.
This will help deepen your understanding of God’s will for your life and give you the strength and guidance you need to follow Him faithfully. Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path” (NLT).
2. Seek to live in obedience to God’s commands and principles, even when it is difficult or goes against your own desires or expectations.
This may look like making sacrifices or taking risks, but it is essential for living a life of uncompromised faith. James 1:22-25 says, “But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it” (NLT).
3. Trust in God’s plan for your life and have faith that He is always with you and will guide and protect you.
Especially when things are difficult or uncertain, you can trust that God is working for your good and for His glory. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take” (NLT).
4. Surround yourself with other believers who can support and encourage you in your faith journey.
Being part of a community of fellow believers can provide accountability, guidance and fellowship, which can help you to grow in your faith and live with trust in God’s faithfulness to do as He has promised. “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near” (Hebrews 10:24-25 NLT).
5. Be willing to share your faith with others.
As you share your story, invite others to church or simply living your life in a way that honors God serves as a witness to His love and grace. Matthew 5:16 says, “In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father” (NLT).
A life lived with unwavering, uncompromised faith requires your commitment to follow God and His will for your life, no matter the cost. It will take courage, trust and obedience, but it offers you the reward of a life of purpose and fulfillment.