The guards at Buckingham Palace stand watch regardless of weather, crowds, or other distractions. They are a picture of the word steadfast. James said that God’s children are blessed when they remain steadfast in their faith.

Job’s faith wasn’t perfect, but it was steadfast. He endured loss, illness, grief, and abandonment, yet he remained faithful to his God. Job understood that God’s purpose is always accomplished in our lives. God’s character is compassionate and merciful, even when it doesn’t seem like it.

This life has trials, and so often our faith in God’s character can waver. Job was steadfast, and he was blessed because, regardless of his circumstances, he chose to trust God’s perfect character.

God is love. God is always compassionate and always merciful because his perfection makes him incapable of being less. We can be steadfast in our faith when we know God as Job knew him. God is perfect, even when our understanding of his ways is not. God is loving, even when our circumstances cause us pain. God is compassionate because he feels with us. God is merciful because he consistently loves us, even when we don’t feel love for him.

Consider the perfection of our loving God and your faith can be like Job’s. Remain steadfast regardless of the challenges and distractions of this world and, like Job, you will be blessed. Our faith will never be perfect, but thankfully our God is.

To know God is the beginning of wisdom. Know that God is compassionate and merciful.