Fighting Fire

Ephesians 6:10  

“Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by His vast strength”

If your only real exposure to firefighters is what you you’ve seen from first responder dramas, you may be under the impression that the best firefighters are fearless mavericks who save the day by quick thinking, daring action, and defying orders.

That’s stupid and reckless.

The absolute worst firefighter on any scene is the cocky idiot that freelances and does dumb stuff to play the hero. In fact, it’s a surefire strategy make sure someone plays bagpipes at your premature funeral. They seem to have no concept of how their actions endanger themselves and others. And yeah… I’ve met a few.

You can’t trust them and they’re the exact opposite of what you’d look for in a partner.

Nobody walks around a dangerous fire scene completely convinced of their own independent ability.  We’re not awesome on our own. None of us are better individually than we all are collectively. Good firefighters draw on years of training, experience, their team, and their leadership.

Under great leadership, even a weak firefighter can accomplish the mission because he or she draws on the strength of others, starting with a competent Chief.  In fact, the best firefighters that I know are the ones who are aware of their limits and plan ahead.

1 Corinthians 1:27 CSB

“Instead, God has chosen what is foolish in the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen what is weak in the world to shame the strong.”

Our Chief loves to demonstrate His power by empowering those who feel weak and foolish to accomplish His Rescue Mission. There’s Hope for us who feel like we are so powerless to defeat the temptation or deceptions that have gripped our lives. The key to tap into the Chief’s power is found in submission to His orders. If you’re constantly feeling like the victim of the Enemy, can I encourage you to spend some time today in surrender to God. Admit that alone… you are weak and foolish. Repent of the times that you tried to power through on your own and ask God to work through your weakness instead.

Debrief:

1. How have you been relying on your own ability, your own willpower, or your own knowledge when facing life’s dangers? Is there a situation that comes to mind that reminds you of how foolishly that turned out?
2. What’s one way today that you can work towards humility and seeking your strength in the vast strength of the Chief?

Report to the Chief:

It’s a fair prayer to say “God… I am weak and foolish sometimes, but in your great power, there is victory. Forgive me and use me to rescue others. I submit to you today.” Make that your prayer today.

Feedback

Please use the comments below to give me some feedback. What could have made this post more powerful in your life? Anything not make sense or flow well? Any comments to make it more faithful to Scripture?