“I recently read about an old man, walking the beach at dawn, who noticed a young man ahead of him picking up starfish and flinging them into the sea. Catching up with the youth, he asked what he was doing. The answer was that the stranded starfish would die if left in the morning sun. ‘But the beach goes on for miles and miles, and there are millions of starfish,’ countered the man. ‘How can your effort make any difference?’ The young man looked at the starfish in his hand and then threw it to safety in the waves. ‘It makes a difference to this one,’ he said.” – Hugh Duncan, Leadership Journal.

Faithfulness makes a difference. When I hear the word faithfulness, I think of words and phrases like loyalty, stick-to-it, hang on, consistency, reliable, dependable, always there, never give up, and so forth. Faithfulness means loyal, unmovable allegiance to God, spouse, family, people, school, work, or a cause. For us as Christians, we are called to remain faithful to God, and in all our relationships and commitments. We face obstacles and temptations which seek to derail our faithfulness and allegiance to God. Yet, we are called to remain faithful through it all.

How to remain faithful

1 Corinthians 16:13, “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” From this verse we learn the following:

1. Be alert at all times. Keep your eyes open. Be attentive to your surroundings and situations. The devil seeks to attack, frustrate, and destroy your faith. Watch out for people, things, and places which might derail you. 1 Peter 5:8, “Be alert and of sober mind.Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

2. Stand firm, immovable, grounded, anchored in your faith. Establish your position and refuse to let anything move you. Say, “Not today, nor ever. Not in my house, devil!” Ephesians 6:13-14, “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then…” 

3. Do not be afraid. The enemy will huff and puff; situations will intimidate you, but do not be afraid. Stand your ground. Be bold. Be fearless. Isaiah 41:10, ““So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” 

4. Be strong. Draw your strength from God through prayer. When you are weak, trust God to give you strength to persevere through it all. Joshua 1:6-7a, “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them. Be strong and very courageous.” Yes, you can be faithful. Someone is counting on your? Your faithfulness makes a difference.