Day 21 — Steadfast

“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”

— 1 Corinthians 15:58 (BSB)

Sometimes, being a Christian girl can make you feel like the only one.

Maybe you’re the only one in your class who goes to church. Maybe you’re the only one in your friend group who won’t watch a certain movie or use certain words. Maybe you’re the only one who says no when everyone else says yes.

Being the only one is hard. It can make you feel lonely, different or even a little bit silly.

The prophet Elijah felt that way once. After a huge victory, a wicked queen threatened to kill him, and he ran away into the desert. He told God, I’m the only one left who still follows You! But God told him the truth: there were seven thousand others in Israel who had never bowed down to false gods (1 Kings 19:18). Elijah wasn’t really alone. He just felt alone.

Sometimes you might feel like the only one too. But you’re not. There are Christians all over the world, and many near you, who are trying to follow Jesus just like you are. And most importantly, God is always with you.

Paul tells us how to live when it’s hard: “be steadfast and immovable.” Steadfast means firm and loyal. Immovable means you can’t be pushed over. Think of a big rock in a river. The water rushes all around it, but the rock doesn’t move.

That’s what it means to lead by standing firm. When you stay true to God, even when you’re the only one, you’re showing others what faithfulness looks like. And sometimes, when one person stands firm, it gives others courage to stand too.

And look at Paul’s promise: “your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” In vain means for nothing. Nothing you do for God is ever wasted, even if no one notices, even if it’s hard, even if you feel alone.

Think about it: When have you felt like the only one? How does it help to know you’re not really alone?

Try this: Find another Christian girl at school, church or in your neighborhood, and encourage each other to stand firm.

Dear God, when I feel like the only one, remind me that I’m not alone. You are with me, and there are others who follow You too. Help me be steadfast and immovable, and thank You that nothing I do for You is ever wasted. In Jesus’ name, Amen.