Surviving The Fire Service Takes More Than Training

I have found an inner desire, a constant pull on my heart, which drives me. This desire comes from fulfilling our personal calling. If you feel called to be a firefighter then this article is for you.

There came a point a few years ago where I lost my drive and passion for the fire service.

I was at a crossroads where I had never been before. I contemplated leaving the fire service.  During this time, I let circumstances and certain struggles drain the very life out of me.  Ever been there?

I stumbled upon this verse from the bible:  “work hard and cheerfully at all that you do, just as though you were working for the Lord and not merely your masters,” (Colossians 3:23)  

This impacted me and gave me a different perspective and God was gracious to renew my spirit.  I have rededicated my life to my calling.  We serve something bigger than the nonsense we seem to have to deal with on a day to day basis on the job.

Training is the lifeblood of a firefighter. We perform the same tasks, skills, and functions countless times out of the great respect for the inherent danger of the job and the commitment we have made to serve. It takes more than training to survive as a firefighter. If training is the lifeblood of a firefighter, what is the heart that drives a firefighter to perform these tasks?

It takes passion, dedication, and a selfless desire to make a difference. These values are of a time honored tradition that comes from a higher calling. This higher calling is from God Himself. He has called us to make a difference, to “love thy neighbor”, and to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your strength.” (Deuteronomy 6:4). In this series we will begin to expand upon what this means and why this is important to us all. Before you read the next two parts of this series, take some time for personal reflection to think about what drives you to be a firefighter.

God Bless and Stay Safe.