Choose Steadfast
As this unusual and unexpected year draws to a close — and as my “One Daily Choice” blog series ends — I pray you and I will remain steadfast.
Therefore, my beloved, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. —1 Corinthians 15:58

This one verse contains at least three mandates for the lives of believers:
Be Steadfast: Feet planted firmly, no wavering and fickle folly—“immovable.” Know what you believe and live it. Discover what God is calling you to and do it.
Be Superb: Are you “always excelling in the work of the Lord”? No shortcuts just to get by. Fully soaked in the moment, wringing every single life lesson from the challenge. Do more than is called for. As the sign on my desk says, “Be kinder than necessary.”
Be Significant: Your steadfastness today has ramifications for a future you will never see—“in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” What we do matters. How we live can literally change the world. Moving forward is a choice you will never regret. Because significance is far more important than success.
As 2021 began, we literally had no idea how the days would unfold. I’m so thankful I did not know. Every single day I prayed for (and received) soul strength.
We can be steadfast not only during critical pandemics, but also in the midst of mundane challenges of complicated relationships, financial juggling, discipline fails, professional discouragement, and professional affirmation. The truth is we have countless opportunities to choose steadfast. Every. Single. Day.
As we say farewell to the old year and welcome in the new year, will you dig deep and summon up every single ounce of strength and courage to persevere? To launch forward into the life God has planned for you—full of drama and discouragement, daring and delight?
My favorite visual of what steadfast looks like comes from a scene in the film The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King based on J. R. R. Tolkien’s book. The returning king Aragorn (played by actor Viggo Mortensen) is on his horse, rallying the riders behind him against the forces of evil. His men are greatly outnumbered by the evil Orcs, and the battle seems hopeless. But when Aragorn speaks, he becomes the king—the role he was called to play in this epic:
“I see in your eyes the same fear that would take the heart of me . . . A day may come when the courage of men fails, when we forsake our friends and break all bonds of fellowship. . . . But it is not this day! This day we fight! By all that you hold dear on this good earth—I bid you stand!”
The Lord of the Rings: the Return of the King, screenplay by Fran Walsh and directed by Peter Jackson
And with those words he leads the charge against the enemy, with ultimate triumph.
Oh friend, I know life is difficult. These past two years have been hard, and there’s no guarantee next year will be better. We are constantly surrounded by people and circumstances that leave deep soul wounds and render us battle weary. And sometimes we feel we simply cannot take it any longer.
One day our courage may fail. One day we may forsake friends, fellowship, and faith. But, dear one, it is not this day!
Today and Tomorrow may we live well with integrity and honor and endurance because our story matters to God and to those who come behind us.
Lord, thank You for teaching me what it takes to stand with perseverance with You always by my side. Help me in the days ahead to make wise choices that can transform my life into one of strength, serenity, and steadfast faithfulness. I am so grateful for such lessons and more from the Christ Child. Amen.
May the grace of Christ, the love of God, and the friendship of the Holy Spirit bring you comfort and strength, Lucinda
NOTE: I will be taking a Blog Break during January and post only rarely on the socials; but I hope to see you again with weekly Encouraging Words sometime in February. Stay Warm. Stay Well. And thank you again for reading.

Hartford Area Women – Join me for 8 Monday evenings (6:30-8 Jan 24-Mar 14) as together we explore 7 keys to Living “Soul Strong.” Our good friends at Trinity Covenant in Manchester, led by Kathy Kim, are hosting this Live Book Study and I can’t wait to journey together into a year of God’s presence, power, and possibilities! Register here: bit.ly/soulstrongstudy

“Helping You Choose a Life of Serenity and Strength”
©2021 Lucinda Secrest McDowell www.LucindaSecrestMcDowell.com
Lucinda Secrest McDowell is a storyteller and seasoned mentor who engages both heart and mind while “Helping You Choose a Life of Serenity & Strength.” She has authored 15 books including “Soul Strong – 7 Keys to a Vibrant Life” and “Life-Giving Choices – 60 Days to What Matters Most.” She writes from “Sunnyside” cottage in New England and shares encouraging words at LucindaSecrestMcDowell.com
Want to read all of the “One Daily Choice” Blogs? Click HERE to read as each one goes live. These 13 weeks of blogs — adapted from Lucinda’s award-winning book “Life-Giving Choices” — come out each Wednesday morning through December 29. Thanks for reading. Click HERE to add your email to get blogs weekly in your in box.
Oh blessed one, thank you for this year’s dedication to reaching souls and drawing us to be steadfast in our daily lives, to seek God, live as if Jesus is truly with us (as He is), and to enrich the lives around us. May the new year ahead be a fruitful, encouraging walk of steadfast faith to all. Who knows what lies ahead for this world, each of us, but we can always be sure that God is faithful and will be our stepping stone, our warrior and refuge along the way. Happy New Year!
Thank you for all your blessed words. Happy healthy 2022!
Lucinda, your words are such an encouragement! I love this post. Our theme word for our Women’s Ministry this year (Aug. 2021-July 2022) is Steadfast, and 1 Cor. 15:58 is our theme verse. Love how you broke that verse down into those three mandates. Thank you for encouraging us through your words. Praying for a great year ahead for you!
Thank you Lucinda….may we all remain steadfast throughout 2022.
Hello from Maine! This is from Deb Clark, one of the Women’s Ministry Team from Faith Church. I’m remembering that the sweatshirt included in your gift basket (with the blueberry-fabric quilted square) did not fit you. If you would like one that fits, I would be glad to make it for you! Let me know what size and color of sweatshirt you would prefer!
You are so sweet! I gave that beautiful blueberry size medium to my Arizona niece on her visit to Maine. I wear am XL, but I’m enjoying the potholders immensely so don’t need to do another sweatshirt… Hugs.
Loved this! And what a great quote from Lord of the Rings!
Have a blessed January!
You are an encouragement from the Lord God Almighty! I for one expectedly wait for your quiet January to come to a close. I pray God will reveal Himself to you in new and more intimate ways! May your quiet time be blessed.
Thank you Cindy.
So Good.
Happy New Year!!🤗🤗
You have a powerful voice Cindy. Thanks for your steadfast friendship. Wishing you a productive and peaceful new year.