"DEBRIEFING" (A First Responder Devotional)

The stressful position of first responders is often scary, unpredictable, and infuriating. Where do they go to refresh and refocus when the world expects them to be thick-skinned and independent?

It can be difficult to balance physical, emotional, and spiritual health, along with their social and family life, as they focus on the role to protect the public. It’s easy to forget the bigger purpose God has for them.

First responders, it's time to debrief!  It's time to understand the Lord is with you, both in remarkable events and insignificant moments of your job and home life. Debriefing will help you focus on the Lord and the vital position in which God has placed you, so you can approach your day encouraged and filled with hope to bravely and selflessly serve society, your family, and the Lord.  

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: As a multiple award-winning author, filmmaker, and international speaker, his work appears in Guideposts, The Upper Room, CBN.com, Clubhouse, Focus on the Family, Cru.org and more. His editorials are featured regularly on Jesusfilm.org and seen by over 30k readers each month. 

 Tez’s book, The Single Dad Detour (Kregel) won Book of the Decade with Serious Writer Academy. He and his wife serve as full-time missionaries. They have four children and live in Colorado Springs. You can learn more at TezBrooks.com

ABOUT THE BOOK: This gift book has 20 real life stories that point readers to God's word. Names and locations were changed to protect privacy. The chapters end with interactive elements. As you finish each meditation, the interactive section will DISPATCH you to go look up related scripture, reinforcing what you’ve read.

Then you’ll INVESTIGATE ways to enhance the message using practical steps for applying it to your own life. Because truths from the Bible aren’t abstract ideas meant for us to contemplate then move on. God’s Word is alive. It’s his letter to us, teaching us how to walk in his ways practically.

Finally, you’ll take time to DEBRIEF with God—talking to him, sharing your heart, and asking for help. These are merely suggested prayers to get you started. 

You have an amazing job that most of the public doesn’t understand. But God does. I pray you find the strength and courage to keep up the good fight and serve the Lord in your role using your unique skills and training. God is your hope. May you sense him with you today.

EXCERPT: 

"Preparedness"

Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who trains my hands

for war, and my fingers for battle. Psalm 144:1 (ESV)

For those involved in first responder careers, hyper-vigilance tends to follow you even on your days off. It's a great skill, but it can cause undue stress when you are always "on," looking for danger.

I've been out of law enforcement for twenty years. Still, when I enter a public place, I must visually locate all the exits and face the front door when I sit. It's important that I see any danger entering the room and know where to direct my family to safety. A moment of hesitation or second-guessing what to do could cost me or my loved ones our lives. This was a learned behavior from my years as a public servant.

Preparedness is vital, both for split-second decision-making and for mundane chores, such as cleaning your patrol car, weapons, and boots. Hand-to-hand combat training, knowing the laws of the land, interpreting a suspect's body language, and firearms practice are important too. Staying sharp and being prepared increases your chances of survival.

It’s the same with your spiritual life. There is significance in the phrase “hands for war, fingers for battle” in today’s scripture reference. You are not simply locked and loaded for battle each day. According to God’s Word, you are also ready to walk away victorious. It’s a message of empowerment to overcome, and it comes by following hard after him, harder than you do when preparing for your job.

The difference is, stress is not part of his plan for you. In Matthew 11:30, Jesus says his yoke is easy and his burden is light. You can confidently be prepared for war today while still resting on his promises. 

Dispatch:

•       Ephesians 6:11-13

•       1 Peter 5:8

•       Luke 21:36

Investigate: In what ways can you be more diligent in preparing yourself for success vocationally, physically, mentally, and, most importantly, spiritually? What will you do this week to improve?

Debrief: Heavenly Father, Thank you for providing the promise of light burdens. Help me be prepared and ready for anything, knowing you have already won my battles. Amen.