Live Determined

Thank you for taking the time to read our first Messenger of 2026! I hope you are encouraged by the stories you read. Maybe God is asking you to share your time, talents and or treasures to become more involved in what the Lord is doing through STCH Ministries. If you feel so led, please reach out. We would love to talk more. 

I was inspired to write on the topic of living a determined life by a young man named Damien on our Marshall Campus. You will get to read his story in this Messenger! Damien challenges us all to “stay firm in the faith and to stay determined”. 

So, what does it mean to live a determined life? Living a determined life means choosing to stand firm with purpose, in faith, and obedience even when circumstances try to weaken our resolve. Determination is not merely stubbornness; it is a decision rooted in God. It is the quiet but unwavering commitment to keep moving forward, even when the road is difficult, and progress feels slow. 

The Bible is filled with men and women who lived with determination. Daniel, who resolved in his heart not to defile himself, even when his obedience put his life at risk. His determination was not based on convenience but conviction. He understood that honoring God was worth more than temporary comfort or safety. Determination begins when we decide that our lives belong to God and that obedience is not optional. 

A determined life is anchored in purpose – Romans 8:28. When you know why you are living, setbacks lose their power to stop you. The apostle Paul declared, “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Paul faced imprisonment, rejection and hardship, yet his determination remained unshaken because his eyes were fixed on God. Our determination grows when our focus shifts from present struggles to God’s greater plan. 

Living with determination does not mean we will never feel overwhelmed or discouraged. Even Jesus experienced moments of deep anguish, yet He remained determined to fulfill the Father’s will. In the Garden of Gethsemane, He prayed, “Not my will, but Yours be done.” This is the highest expression of determination, choosing obedience even when the cost is great. True determination submits personal desires to God’s purpose. 

A determined life requires daily choices that show the strength of our convictions. It is built one decision at a time: choosing prayer over worry, faith over fear, obedience over selfish desires. Many people give up not because they lack ability, but because they lose resolve. Paul reminds us in Galatians 6:9, “to not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up.” Determination teaches us to trust God’s timing, even when results are not immediate. 

When we know God is faithful, we find strength to keep going. Determination rooted in faith says, “I may not see the outcome yet, but I trust the One who does.” This kind of resolve does not depend on feelings or circumstances; it depends on our unshakable Heavenly Father. 

Ultimately, a determined life brings glory to God. It testifies that our hope is not in ourselves, but in Him. When we persevere through trials with faith and obedience, others see the power of God at work in us. Determination transforms ordinary lives into powerful testimonies of God’s grace. 

I have a challenge for us all: choose determination. We should fix our hearts on God, trust His promises and commit to obey Him no matter the cost. A determined life, surrendered to God, will always lead to fulfilled purpose, personal growth and eternal reward. Keep up the great work, Damien. Thank you for the inspiration!