The Paramedic PastorSample

Unhurried time!

It is commonly said that in the event of a cardiac arrest, a cardiovascular accident or other traumatic injury that, “every second counts”.

Throughout my paramedic career, I was reminded of this on many, many occasions; and you responded and treated accordingly. Although, despite what is often depicted on screens or in books you trained yourself to never run into a scene, knowing that if you did, you could miss key signs and other important things.

The story of King Saul is a story of a King who rushed ahead of God’s agenda.

In 1 Samuel 13, we read the story of how Saul was given direction by God, yet he was impatient and tried to fix the problem himself without waiting for God’s timing.

God is full of grace and mercy, knowing that so often we rush with good intentions, but nevertheless still we try and rush God.

As a paramedic, everything inside of you wants to hurry into a situation; and this scenario is so often played out in our everyday life, as we want to hurry things, even the things of God. On a personal note, stepping into the role of a pastor, this felt even more hurried, as you desire to see someone set free and their life transformed, and so with good intentions we hurry the faith journey.

I have found that so often when I stop and pray and listen to God, I hear and see with more clarity– I call this my “unhurried time”.

Reflection

Consider your prayer life, and ask yourself: is it hurried and scheduled, or are you allowing unhurried time with God?