Strengthening our resolve is an essential facet of spiritual life. The Bible says to remain steadfast. “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast…” (Isaiah 26:3) Steadfast means continuing on a course of action without compromise. Despite pressure to give up praying, Daniel didn’t buckle. If we want to overcome every challenge thrown our way, we must build our resolve; we must train to be steadfast.

We must strengthen our resolve and be steadfast when it comes to our faith. Strengthening our spiritual resolve spills over and translates into every task we encounter, whether religious or secular. But how do we build this resolve? Where do we start? We can think of this endeavor as a very messy room that we’ve left alone for a long time. It can be overwhelming and disheartening. But do not despair!

First, look for something you can change or repent. Instead of picking the hardest, bad habit to break or the sin that has been challenging you your entire life, choose the easiest, most straightforward thing to repent. Choose one bad thing you’ve been doing that with a little effort you can stop doing. Then stop doing it and stick with it! If you stumble, brush yourself off and start again.

Next, look for a good act. Once again, don’t look for grand, awe-inspiring acts; search and choose something you can accomplish with minimum effort. For example, “I will read one chapter from the Bible a day” or “I will read one verse a day.” To build resolve, stick to the plan without fail. If you fall, stand up. If you fall again, stand up again until you can sustain this “easy” task. One by one, we build our resolve by selecting tasks we perceive to be easy and being immovable in completing those tasks.

Once you start with cutting out and adding religious acts, transfer this kind of resolve to your everyday life. If you have difficulty being on time, vow and promise God, “From this moment on, I will show up to work at exactly this time.” Then show up exactly at that time, rain or shine. Or “I will do my laundry on this day.” Do it on that day and don’t waver! Set a goal, stick to it, and don’t waver.

If we build this kind of resolve and become steadfast, we can accomplish and do anything. Start with building your religious resolve. Start with something easy you can cut out of your life that is bad. Start with doing something you perceive as easy and continue with that course action regardless of the obstacles you encounter. If you start with the easy things, in no time you will conquer and achieve things you thought were never possible.

Summary:

1. Be steadfast and build resolve!
2. Start with the easiest thing to stop and do!
3. Persevere! Continue doing it, rain or shine!
4. Apply this resolve to all aspects of your life!

Click here for Korean sermon