If I want a picture of steadfastness, I know where to go.  The Sentinels who guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Washington, D.C. fit the picture.  They protect the tomb in every kind of weather-including torrential rains, blizzards, and Washington’s relentlessly hot summers.  The Sentinels are completely dedicated to their mission-guarding and ‘watching the back’ of the unknown soldier.  The Society of the Honor Guard reports:  “It gets cold, it gets hot and the mission continues as it has unbroken since 1937.” Just imagine, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every minute of every day and every minute of every night, standing firm.  The Sentinels exemplify Corinthians 4:2,  “Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.”

Most of us would never volunteer to stand in a snowstorm for 8 hours.  However, we all have times in our lives when we need to be steadfast; many areas of our lives require it.  Can we keep going in the tough times?  It won’t be easy, but we can do it, because we don’t have to do it alone.  From Isaiah 41:13, “For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, ‘Do not fear, I will help you.'” You might be surprised to know you can even stay calm during the storms of life. “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.  Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord Himself, is the Rock eternal.” (Isaiah 26:3-4) From 1 Corinthians 15:58, “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm.  Let nothing move you.” If it’s storming in your world, You CAN stand firm.  Just be sure to grab a really large umbrella, because you won’t be standing alone.