Job Talk: May's Story

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Submitted by Randy M.

Retired Firefighter, Fire Chaplain, and Arson Investigator for 31 years for the state of California.

I was supposed to work overtime that weekend at the fire station. I never work overtime, and why I accepted this time is still puzzling to me. I’d rather spend time with my wife and kids. I’ve been with my department eight years and during those years, I’ve never volunteered to work overtime. I was bummed.

There was an arson conference during that time I wanted to attend. Even though I’m the arson investigator and The Fire Chaplain for my department, I couldn’t go because the department couldn’t afford to send me. Double bummer!

It turned out the guy I was supposed to work for showed up and my overtime was canceled. My time with the family was preserved. But God had still other plans for me. I received a phone call from a fellow Arson investigator explaining that the Chaplain for the arson conference was not going to be able to make it. They were looking for a new Chaplain and wondered if I’d like to go.

No hesitation on my part. When I arrived, I met with the president of the conference, who asked if I was just going to be a fill-in or if I wanted the full-time ride. This blessing far exceeded my expectations and I willingly accepted. The arson conference is held twice a year. I’m now privileged to attend both conferences free of charge. But there is more. I have the honor of giving the opening prayer, participating in opening ceremonies, and giving the closing prayer.

God didn’t want me to work overtime that weekend because he had bigger plans for me. If I’d work overtime, I wouldn’t have been able to be the new Chaplain for the arson conference. Now I have the opportunity to reach out to more than 200 investigators twice a year and share with them the good news of Jesus Christ.

I went from being bummed out to being blessed in a matter of days. It’s amazing how God‘s hand continues to guide my life and remind me that he knows the plans he has for me and that they are for me to prosper. See Jeremiah 29:11 during the disappointing days I also turned to Isaiah 40:29-31:

"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

Thank you for your time and be safe out there!