Hello to all my brothers and sisters in the fire service. What a tremendous time of sadness we have endured these past months with the loss of our three fallen brothers from our active ranks. I want to express my deepest condolences to the families and friends of Mario Martinez, Jeffery Johnson, and Matthew McKnight. I pray that you all will find peace and comfort in our Lord and Savior during these difficult times.
What is a storm? A storm is a difficult episode in your life that seems to be an overwhelming life event that may leave you feeling helpless, alone, confused and even depressed. It may be an event that rocks your world, leaving you troubled or asking why is this happening to me? A storm can be the sudden loss of a loved one, or maybe a serious illness or injury to you or a loved one.
What is faith? Faith is simply having a personal relationship with the one that created you. Faith is knowing that God is in control and you are not. Faith is between you and God. He knows your heart, your every thought. If you allow Him into your heart and have a personal relationship with him, you choose to live in faith, for His glory and not your own then you have faith in the one that created you. 1) Corinthians 2:5 states “That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.”
2) Corinthians 1:3-4 states “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”
When the storm hits and turns your world upside down, and you feel lost and alone, that is when God is with you the most. If you turn to Him and seek His glory in the eye of the storm, He will be with you and give you strength to endure the storm. He will, in time, turn your tears to smiles, your sorrow into joy, and give you peace and comfort to carry on. God is with you always. Put all your trust and faith in Him and He will never leave your side.
God bless you all.
By Roger Fowble, LAFD Chaplain