Smoke Jumpers

A fascinating place to visit is The Smoke Jumper Visitor Center, in Missoula, Montana. An off-duty jumper gives tours of their facility and tells visitors the smoke jumper requirements. Prior experience as a fire fighter is required before a candidate can take the specialized training. Continual exercise is essential to stay in shape for the vigorous duties they perform while in the mountains. The on-call men and women at the facility wear part of their jump clothing while waiting for a call to come in that notifies them a fire has been spotted. An airplane stands ready on the close-by runway. From the moment, a phone call is received, the smoke jumpers have twelve minutes to put on the rest of their clothing and get on the airplane with their gear.

As Christians, are we prepared to fight a “fire” that comes our way? Smoky temptations arrive in various forms: envy tries to dominate my thoughts when a friend buys a new car. Will I repeat the latest neighborhood gossip? Pride tempts to boast.

Judgement rises up concerning a customer’s scanty clothing. The justification of being right wants to keep me from forgiving a friend’s nasty words.

Preparation for challenges that come our way is important. By reading the Bible, engaging in prayer, forgiving others, obeying His Word and fellowshipping with other Christians we can fight against the sinful thoughts and activities that flare up.

Preparation helps us stand against the fiery effects of sin.

Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Ephesians 6:13 (NIV)

Helen Hoover