Distractions: How to Protect your LEO from the Flesh, the World and the Devil
Distractions. For us as women, they can exhibit themselves in many forms and fashion,
anywhere from a sick child to an overbearing boss, to a tightly packed schedule. They can rock our world and leave us feeling frustrated and stressed.
For our LEOs, the types of distractions they face could possibly cost him his marriage,
his job and even his life, that’s why as wives we must be diligent in our
prayer and petition for our husbands.
Below I have listed six types of distractions and what the Bible has to say about our response.
1. Distraction of
Weariness/Lack of Sleep
It's no secret that LEOs have the type of job that requires much awake time with little room for sleep. Pulling a 12-18 hour shift is not unusual, and when our officer is home his mind is never really able to fully shut off.
However, in Matthew 11:28, Jesus tells the weary to come to Him and He will give them rest. He promises in Isaiah 40:29-31 that He will give strength to the weary and increase the power of the weak, so much so that they will soar on wings like eagles; walk and not grow faint.
As we think of our husband and the job that he does which causes him to be so tired, let's pray that God will give him rest along with His strength and power, and to help him keep his focus on God.
2. Distraction of Unhealthy Lifestyle Choices
(improper nutrition, smoking, lack of exercise, etc.)
A police officer has a hard time when it comes to proper nutrition and exercise. Being on the go all shift long leaves very little time to stop and sit down to a good meal, or the energy to work out at the gym. For most, it is a grab-n-go diet of either chips, candy bars, a convenience store hot dog, or whatever is quick and easy. Then instead of a jog on the treadmill, there is a run to the refrigerator with complete shut-down on the recliner.
Add in the mix the battle with stress habits of smoking or excessive alcohol consumption, and our officer's health can deteriorate rather quickly.
God's Word tells us in 1 Corinthians 6:19 that our body is a temple of the Holy Spirit (speaking to believers), and that we are to honor God with it. Likewise, in 1 Corinthians 10:13 gives us assurance that even when temptations come our way, God is faithful to give us a way out so that we can stand up under it.
Spend time in prayer for your husband's lifestyle choices. Ask God to help your husband see the value in his body; that he will be given wisdom to make wise choices of what he puts into it.
3. Distraction of Anxiety/Fear
Whether they want to admit it or not, our LEOs struggle with anxiety and fear. They are human and at times are faced with situations that strike terror even in their seasoned hearts.
The Bible tells us in Isaiah 41:10 that we need not fear; that God is with us and will strengthen and help us, even to the point of upholding us in His right hand. Philippians 4:6-7 says that we are to present our fears or requests to God and He in turn will fill us with peace, guarding our heart and our mind. Sounds like a fair trade. Doesn't it?
Pray that God will bless your husband with full confidence and assurance that He is with him every moment, and remove the spirit of fear. Pray that he will be overcome with an overwhelming sense of peace and courage, and that his hands and heart will be strengthened.
4. Distraction of Pain
(both physical and mental)
An officer is no stranger to pain. The physical aspect of chasing suspects through wooded areas to pulling crash victims from burning cars can leave a body sore, tired, and aching. The mental pain, however, can be even more overwhelming. Having to comprehend the sheer evil of a mother who burns her child alive to a daddy who rapes his own daughter can be excruciating. Just the thought of bad dreams reliving the bloody scene can cause an officer to struggle in all areas of his life.
Isaiah 53:3 reminds us that we serve a God who understands. He's witnessed first-hand the cruelty of man. He knows what its like to be tired, hungry, alone and despised. Through His suffering, we can find hope and help.
Pray for your husband. Pray that God will draw near him in his pain both physical and mental. Ask God to help him realize that these things are temporary in the grand design of His plan for our lives, and that keeping his eyes on God is most important in his well-being of both mind and body.
5.Distraction of Anger
It is easy to understand the anger our officer can feel within the boundaries of his job. Anger at the injustice, anger at the evil, anger and frustration of not being able to do enough...help enough....stop the problem.
The Bible tells us in Ephesians 4:26 that we are to be angry but sin not. It also says in Romans 12:19 that it is not ours to take revenge, but the Lord. He will repay the evildoer. Our officer must just do his job and do it well.
Pray that God will give him a spirit of forgiveness and love towards those he comes in contact with. That he will not grow cynical, but will be filled with compassion, being slow to anger and quick to forgive.
And finally...
6. Distraction of Politics
People who give in to politics can cause so much grief within a department and/or city. The ones whom it seems to take the most toll on are the little guys - the officers and workers who are out there just trying to do a job.
God tells us though in Romans 13:1 and 7 that those who are in authority are to be honored because God has placed them in that position. Whether we like them or not, we must submit to their leadership unless of course, it goes against the very nature of God.
Pray that when things get crazy and hard to handle, that God will give your husband wisdom, a calm spirit and a Christ-like attitude towards those in position of leadership.
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I pray that you will find peace in the midst of the distractions of this world. God gives us a plan to maneuver these things, but we just have to be pro-active in the power behind them.
Blessings to you,
Kristi
Thank you for your Christian insights. As the wife of a LEO I can, at times, forget what he goes through.
ReplyDeleteYou are so welcome. We all need the reminder. :)
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