When I build houses or some other structure that must bear a structural load, I usually do the work in good weather, when there is no frost, rain, or snow. All such conditions cause a certain amount of discomfort and can affect the quality of the structure. Yet in my mind I calculate how strong my construction will be, even when I have its plans in hand. In good, calm weather, it is very difficult to know how a building will behave if an earthquake suddenly strikes or a hurricane comes. But there are certain principles that enable me to calculate the expected load and pressure in advance, and I take those calculations into account when erecting the building. When I order construction materials, I do not ask them to bring me just anything, as long as it is some kind of material. I specify the exact product and grade indicated in the plans, or materials that have already stood the test of time and are suitable for constructing buildings.
When I first began working in construction, we laid walls with mortar, just as people had done a thousand years ago. Then a new technology appeared, and we began laying bricks with adhesive, which both surprised and delighted me. The first course had to be laid perfectly level; after that, we dipped each brick into the prepared adhesive and placed it in the wall, where it bonded on its own. This method quickly became popular everywhere.
But when I began building a house for an engineer, he decided to do everything the old-fashioned way. He explained that every new method had to stand the test of time for at least fifteen years before it could be used.
My neighbor at our garden property built himself a beautiful greenhouse and planted tomatoes in it. But a small hurricane came, and the entire greenhouse ended up in pieces on my property. I took note of this and made adjustments to my own construction, paying careful attention to the proper foundation and to fastening the structure together. Over the years, it has had to endure many hurricanes, rains, and snowfalls. Everything I once built is still holding up very well. The process of building delighted me then; now the strength and beauty of what was built delight me.
The next brick for our little house of happiness is called “I am steadfast.”
Steadfastness is the ability to endure all kinds of trials with dignity without allowing my heart to be destroyed. Difficulties do not make my structure better, but they reveal its strong and weak points, expose defects that were overlooked, and confirm me in the right choice.
Jesus taught that temptations would come, that trials would descend upon us, and that the enemy of souls had not grown weaker, but would continually persecute those who choose to enter the true path that leads the soul to Salvation. And the Lord promises that we will be happy during such trials. In Matthew 5:10–12 we read: “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.”
When such a trial comes for the first time, you become confused and disoriented, not knowing what to do. It seems that I am setting out to begin a new life—to be righteous, kind, and loving—yet people begin to hate me for it. Sometimes a response according to the flesh could settle everything very quickly, but I choose the narrow way and enter a path of years of attacks and accusations against me, to which I cannot respond in the same spirit.
Not every trial brings me pleasure and joy, but pain is always present, especially when those closest to me cause it. Yet Jesus commands me to rejoice in such situations and to look at the things that are unseen. I began to put this into practice, and it worked. What blessedness it is to be happy when everything is going badly, knowing that a special blessing for you is hidden within it!
Having passed through all these trials, I know that they are not over and that a surprise lies ahead—one that not everyone will endure. Yet no one who lives with Jesus in the heart will avoid this confrontation, so it is worth preparing for it right now, today. But how?
If I know what I will face, I begin to study what will help me stand firm. The Lord instructs me, first in small things and then through increasingly difficult assignments, so that I may gain personal experience in the struggle and learn to use spiritual weapons skillfully.
Our warfare is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual wickedness in high places and against the rulers of the darkness of this world. For such a battle, I need the proper weapons and tactics. Power tools and helpful pills will not drive the darkness out of my heart, but the presence of God’s light will very quickly deliver me from every kind of darkness.
What determines my steadfastness? If I do not know what the Lord expects of me, I will most likely behave as I am accustomed to behaving, or as is customary in the society where I live. But the knowledge of the Truth reveals what awaits me and how I should respond correctly to each trial. The Holy Spirit brings to my remembrance at the right time all the counsel I learned while studying God’s will. And the Lord’s grace gives me the strength to overcome every trial in the right spirit. All these factors together bring me victory, and I rejoice.
In every difficulty, my connection with my Heavenly Father is extremely important. My victory depends more upon my relationship with God than upon my theoretical knowledge of the truth or my knowledge of Who God is. Such a connection with the Most High is formed within me and changes my heart. In this warfare, my choice to remain faithful to God is more important than my strength and wisdom.
Jesus warned us that all who believe in Him would be persecuted and hated. And so it is. Yet this is precisely what strengthens us.
I remember collecting tin as a child and enjoying melting it over a gas burner. I was surprised that after being melted, the tin changed from a soft material into something very hard. We also know that hardened iron is much harder than ordinary iron, though at the same time it becomes brittle.
The benefit of firing can be seen in the example of a clay pitcher. While it is being made, it can be shaped in any way; it can be moistened and remade. But when the pitcher enters the fire, irreversible processes take place within it, making it strong, water-resistant, and fit for use. Afterward, the vessel can be painted and used for its intended purpose.
The same principles operate in my life. All the knowledge I receive shapes my character and behavior, while various trials reveal how strong I am. They fix that knowledge firmly within me and form my will.
None of God’s children will escape fiery trials, and we should not fear them. They will not destroy our lives. Trials also come into the lives of unbelievers, but they make them even more unhappy. On my path, however, every spiritual victory brings me joy from the realization that I stood firm, and this strengthens my faith and my connection with God.
Persecution deprives me of my familiar surroundings and way of life, but it opens new opportunities and paths in my search for a closer relationship with Jesus. He does not abandon me, but gives peace to my soul.
I am steadfast. This material gives special strength to the entire structure of my happiness and holds the whole construction in its intended shape, while revealing weak places that need to be strengthened. And this brings a special blessedness.
Bible verses for this chapter:
Ephesians 6:10–18; 2 Timothy 3:12; Luke 21:12–19; Matthew 5:39–41; 24:13; John 15:17–23; Romans 5:4; 15:4–5; 2 Corinthians 4:5–12; Hebrews 12:1; Revelation 2:3, 10; 3:10; 14:12