Steadfast

"Take courage my heart, stay steadfast my soul. He's in the waiting."

The captivating words of the song written by Kristene DiMarco, Jeremy Riddle, and Joel Taylor resonate with me in this season.

I am not in a season of deferred hope. In fact, Tyler and I have seen radical provision in many ways throughout the past few months. But I am also learning to remain steadfast during this time. I don't think I give up easily, but over time I can become worn down. At first, I don't even realize the lies I am slowly letting creep in my daily thoughts. My dreams begin to lose steam, and my determination runs dry.

Starting a new school year of teaching makes me markedly more aware of this unhealthy habit. I begin with joy and determination. I am confident in my Daddy's good thoughts of me and desires for me. Temporary setbacks are quickly overlooked. As hours, days, and weeks add up, my expectations begin to lower. I begin to focus more on my weekly routine than the momentary encounters right in front of me. I am not fully listening to Him and all the opportunities He has for me.

As a sense of weariness sets in, I come to the Father and ask Him to calm my thoughts. I need to plug into Him so that He can recalibrate my mind. In this temporary world, we can become so focused on the "realities" before us. Yet, what we see is a dim shadow of that for which we were created. We are spiritual beings living in a temporary physical shell. We are not defined by the constraints or thoughts of this world.

Learning to remain steadfast takes time and patience. Thankfully my Daddy has plenty of both, and He is so eager to help me grow in this capacity. He encourages me to keep dreaming and not be discouraged in the waiting. He alone is the source of my identity. He is steadfast in love, grace, and provision. He is renewing my mind to all He has for me.