MESSAGES
"God is a shield to all who trust in Him"
—Proverbs 18:30 (NKJV)
The other day I had the privilege of giving the invocation at Riverside Fire Department's Promotion Ceremony. As I sat and watched the wife or parent pin the badge on their loved one, I began to recall how honored I was to wear the badge for 20 years. I also recalled how heavy that badge felt at times. Not in the physical sense, but in the mental, emotional and spiritual sense. Why? Because of the heavy responsibility that comes with wearing it.
That badge you wear as a police officer and firefighter can become heavy. That badge, and all it represents, demands a lot from you. Many of those demands can increase your level of stress, anxiety, frustration, etc. These feelings and emotions, if not dealt with, can bring on bigger problems in your work, as well as in your home.
Over the years I began to realize that if I wasn't careful, my badge could eventually begin to wear on my family, my wife, and my children. I realized too that the badge I wore I would not wear forever. One day I would retire. If I allowed the heaviness of the badge to get the better of me before I retire, I might not have a family around to enjoy after I retire.
The badge you wear doesn't have to wear you down. It doesn't have to weigh you down. You can lighten the weight. You can lessen the load. How? By giving the heaviness of your badge to the Lord. Jesus says, "Come to Me all who are weary and heavy-laden and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your soul. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light" (Matthew 11:28).
The Lord wants you to be the best firefighter and police officer you can be without letting your badge wear you down. He wants you to continue to perform your job with all of your present responsibilities and problems. He wants you to be there for your family and meet the needs of your home, without being weighed down. How? By giving your badge to God and allowing Him to be your shield.
"The Lord is my strength and my shield"
—Psalms 28:7 (NKJV)
Wear your badge safely,
Pastor / Chaplain Steve |
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| SHIELD OF FAITH |
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For more information,
call (951) 687-6902
Attention Juanita
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