Oh you of little faith,” Jesus said to Peter in Matthew 14:31.

I get it. The guy was sinking. His succumbing to the waves, we’re explicitly told, is because he doubted. So yes, his failing faith left him flailing in the moment.

But before that?

Peter got out of the boat.

“Jesus,” I want to challenge, “doesn’t that count for something?”

It would make sense in my mind if Jesus called Peter’s faith “promising.” I’d like for Peter to have gotten some credit, a pat on the back, and another shot. Or at least the encouragement, “solid starter.”

But this isn’t the only time in Scripture God highlights the importance of finishing in the faith.

Thankfully, His Word offers all we need for godly living. With this sort of (sometimes frustrating) correction, He also offers helpful instruction on how to have lasting faith.

1. Don’t finish in the flesh- stick with the Spirit

“After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?” –Gal 3:3

After posing this question, Paul goes on to talk about the means of the Spirit. He highlights that through the Spirit:

• We are freed from trying to keep the law to please God so we can please Him by believing Him
• We trust God and act according to His promises
• We live as children of God, clothed in Christ
• We don’t have to justify ourselves, Christ is our righteousness

2. Ask God for help in unbelief

“I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” –Mark 9:24

Instead of crying out that he was drowning and needed saving, Peter could have said “help me overcome my unbelief!” We have that option, too.

Like the honest Dad trying to do right by his suffering son, sometimes persevering in faith means admitting our lack thereof. God is faithful to help!

3. Keep your eyes on the real prize- Jesus

“Press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ.” –Ph 3:14

Why do we have faith? Jesus. Who do we have faith in? Jesus. What does our faith believe? Jesus- crucified, risen, and eagerly awaiting us in eternity. He is our portion and our prize- plus our strength for persevering in the faith.

Faith lasts when we know that it is finished, and rely on Christ to help us persevere!

(A version of this post was previously published here)

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In most cases, being inflexible, stubborn, or unmoving isn’t favorable.

So often it seems like if we just grip tighter or twist harder, we’ll have the opportunities we long for. We’ll find satisfaction. We’ll gain the missing ingredient and finally put together that idea we think is best for us.

But, if God’s the unmoving lid on a jar we’re fighting to get into, it’s probably not one we want to open.

God doesn’t budge, and that’s great news!

• God will not break his promises
• God’s Word will not pass away
• God’s kingdom is unshakable
• God’s foundation does not fall
• God’s love can’t be lost
• God’s plan is immovable
• God’s judgement is perfect
• God’s mind doesn’t shift
• God cannot be swayed

Instead of being in our way, God’s lack of movement is meant to guide our way.

Sometimes, certainly, what seems “stuck” in our lives is just a matter of God’s timing. Other times, it’s God’s protection or teaching. There are even instances when God doesn’t “fix it” and the impossibility of change becomes apparent- leaving us all the more awed when He makes it possible anyway.

So, if you’re feeling stuck, and it seems like your prayers aren’t moving God, remember:

God’s stubbornness is our stability.

“He will be the stability of your times, abundance of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is Zion’s treasure.” –Isaiah 33:6

Our Savior isn’t unmoving in pride, but perfection. He isn’t slow, but sovereign. His unwillingness to depart from the way (though his loved ones tried to sway Him) led to our salvation. His unshakeable quality is the reason that death is defeated.

It is to our benefit that God won’t budge.

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“Failure” is not a word we associate with the prophet Elijah.

But Elijah once believed he was failing at faith.

After yet another death threat, he fled. The man had seen miracles. He’d played a part. Elijah knew he had been following and obeying God. But his faith felt like it was faltering as he was rejected again and again:

Alone in the wilderness, Elijah prayed:

“’I have had enough, Lord,’ he said. ‘Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors’.” –1 Kings 19:4

We don’t find God telling Elijah to toughen up and go do another mighty miracle. He wasn’t even immediately asked to witness to anyone else.

Instead, God sent an angel to care for, comfort, and encourage him. There was no reprimand.

God is glorified when we draw near to Him. He chooses to invite us into His presence.

He loves to remind us that He is faithful, even when we fail to be.

That’s exactly what God went on to do for Elijah. Before God gave him another mission, he sent him to a quiet cave. There, Elijah was told:

“Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” -1 Kings 19:11

You probably know what happens next. The wind blows, the earth quakes, fire roars, and God is not in them. God’s presence comes with a gentle whisper.

What humbling comfort!

In our walk with the Lord, we often believe our relationship with God is most wonderful and effective for eternity when we’re on fire. We think that God is most glorified when our impact is earth-shaking. It’s easy to believe that God is working the most through us when our ministries are as powerful as the wind.

God is glorified in the quiet, too.

When you think you’re failing at faith because you’re not making a visible impact on others or seeing any results, remember that God also commands us, for His glory, to:

“Be still and know that I am God” –Psalm 46:10

There’s a time for changing the world and a time for embracing God as He changes our hearts. Worship Him in the stillness.

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