Answering the Call

It was early October, time for our annual Fire Prevention Week. We have several different demonstrations set up and run hundreds of children through to teach them fire safety. I was leading a group of 3-4 year olds from one presentation station to another. A four year old boy was walking beside me with his father, he kept looking up at me with his big brown eyes and his dad told me “my son loves this ‘fire stuff’.” We walked a little bit further and the little guy looked up again and said, “I love this stuff…he paused….and he said I love you too.” His comment surprised me but melted by heart. I knelt down and gave him a hug. After that every one of his classmates wanted one of those hugs. It really touched me and made me remember how I should view my career. Firefighters are a special breed and blessed. This is why we do it.

As I thought about the unmerited love of this little boy, it struck me how fortunate we are to have a Savior that loves us, love unmerited but freely given. We run into fires to rescue people and give them a chance at life. Jesus took the cross in our place to give us a chance at eternal life. We are called ‘heroes’, He was crucified.

I believe there are two kinds of callings in the fire service. One is presented by a need; we need fire departments because things catch on fire. The other calling is on a more personal level, it touches the very depths of one’s soul. Don’t get me wrong the paycheck and security of a fire service job are nice, but they do not determine how well you will do that job. A passion for people, especially for those in need, is what separates average firefighters from exceptional ones. We are blessed to be in a profession where we can directly impact someone’s life. They can be having the worst day of their lives and we show up. What are you going to do with that? Do you just go about your business, oblivious to the pain and suffering around you? Or do you grab those family pictures off the table and take them outside to save them from the heat and smoke? Do you check on the condition of the wife who has just watched her husband be taken away in an ambulance? It does make a difference.

I remember when God was trying to get my attention. It was after my divorce that I felt like something was missing, well other than my wife. I remember going to a water ball fight with some of the guys from the fire department I was on at the time. While walking around the small festival there I found a picture of Jesus for sale. I’m not sure why but I bought it.

Isaiah 43:1-3

"Fear not, for I have redeemed you;

I have called you by your name;

You are Mine.

2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;

And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.

When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,

Nor shall the flame scorch you.

3 For I am the LORD your God,