FOCUS: The Power Of Consistency

By Jinadu Ibukun

One of the greatest secrets to growth, whether it’s spiritual or physical, is simply consistency.

Today, our focus is on spiritual growth, as we often admire people who seem firm in their faith, disciplined in prayer, or overflowing with wisdom from God’s Word. Yet behind their glow is not a one-time miracle; it’s their discipline of showing up, again and again, for God, whether it’s convenient or otherwise. Simply put, consistency is the bridge between sowing and reaping.

The Bible tells us in Galatians 6:9 (NIV): “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

Why Must We Be Consistent?

Consistency builds character, as believers, it strengthens our walk of faith by turning our small steps into great testimonies. Just imagine eating only once a month; you will be weak and most likely deficient in the nutrients that come from regular eating. Now, let’s apply the same to our spiritual life. When we daily feed on the Word of God and apply it daily, when we worship God, when we fast and pray, we build stamina and bear fruit.

Jesus said in John 15:4 (NLT): “Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me”

To remain in Jesus is to stay connected to Him daily, continually, not occasionally and not when it's only convenient for you. I try to be very intentional about being consistent in all I do. I remember asking God to help me be consistent and not only serve Him when it’s convenient for me to. I drew strength and encouragement from some people in the Bible, which I will share below.

1. Daniel was a man consistent in prayer:

Daniel’s life is a picture of unshakable devotion, despite the threat of being thrown into the lion’s den, he prayed three times a day, as he had always done (Daniel 6:10). His consistency wasn’t dependent on convenience; his consistency was dependent and anchored in His conviction.

2. David was a man consistent in worship

When we read the Psalms, they reflect a man who continually turned to God in joy, sorrow, fear, and victory. He wrote in Psalm 34:1 (GNT): “I will always thank the LORD; I will never stop praising him.” For David, worship wasn’t occasional; it was a lifestyle.

3. The Apostle Paul was a man who was consistent in mission.

Paul’s consistency kept the gospel of Christ alive across nations and generations. Through shipwrecks, imprisonments, and persecution, Paul’s commitment never wavered. He declared in Acts 20:24(NIV): “However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.”

4. Jesus Is the Perfect Example of Consistency

Jesus consistently withdrew to pray (Luke 5:16). He consistently taught, healed, forgave, and loved. From the beginning to the end, His life was marked by steady obedience to the Father’s will, even to the cross (Philippians 2:8).

In Conclusion

Consistency doesn’t mean you’ll never face struggles; it means you’ll keep showing up for God, trusting that He will show up for you, because just as seeds take time to grow, so does spiritual maturity. 

“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV)

To be consistent, start small. Don't try to do everything at once, as that can lead to being easily overwhelmed. Instead, begin with a simple commitment, such as 10 minutes of studying the word and 10 minutes of prayer daily, and stick with it. Gradually, 10 minutes a day will grow into 30 minutes and then into hours, which will, over time, become a lifestyle. Be intentional about setting reminders, using alarms, writing on sticky notes, and keeping a journal, as consistency thrives on intentional habits. Also, be accountable and look for someone willing to walk the journey of consistency with you, a believer you can pray with, and always be responsible with fellow believers who encourage you to keep going.

So, today, choose consistency in prayer, in studying God’s Word, in loving Jesus, yourself, and others. Rely on God’s grace, as consistency is not about perfection; it’s about returning to God daily, even when we stumble, and watch God turn your steady steps into testimonies.

REFERENCE

biblehub.com: Good News Translation (GNT), New International Version (NIV), New Living Translation (NLT)