It wasn’t long ago that Fireman Eric Brogan from the Gibraltar Fire Company visited SonShine Early Learning Center Preschool, which is located at 426 Laurelwood Road, in Pottstown.
Our three and four year olds were very attentive as he dressed in his fire suit with oxygen mask, tank and all. Excitement set in as the time came for them to practice what to do in the event their clothing ever caught on fire. You know, those three little, yet important words, Stop, Drop, and Roll. The day was truly a wonderful experience for the children and Fireman Eric.
Since that day I have pondered on these three little words. Do you realize that every day we are surrounded with opportunities to stop, drop, and roll?
Consider this with me:
STOP: I learned a long time ago that difficult times will change us. What we change into is up to us. We can become bitter or be changed for the better. The choice is ours.
The Bible tells us about a very wealthy man named Job who loved and served God. In one day Job lost everything, all his sheep, his camels, his servants and all his sons and daughters. Talk about tragedy. Job’s wife said to him, “Are you still holding on to your integrity? Curse God and die!” (Job, chapter 2, verse 9)
One of Job’s friends tells him to “...Stop and consider God’s wonders.” (Job, chapter 37, verse 14). Through all his loss Job chose to allow his tragedy to change him for the better.
I wonder what would happen if people everywhere would Stop and consider what God has to say about the things we face each day. What if we were to Stop worrying. Stop arguing. Stop scheming. Stop justifying ourselves. Stop being angry about how people and circumstances have frustrated or wronged us. Stop being concerned about what others will think. Stop trying to please everyone. Stop trying to figure everything out. Stop trying to control others. Stop elevating other people, places, activities and things above God.
The world would be a different place!
DROP anything and everything that could be coming between you and God.
Psalm, chapter 46, verse 10 says, “Be still and know that I am God”
Life runs in such a fast pace at times that it can be hard to just ‘be still.’ However, if we would take the time to drop everything and turn our thoughts and concentration on God we will soon realize we can only rely on Him to get us through our circumstances.
As we reflect on God’s wisdom, goodness, holiness, justice, grace, mercy, patience, faithfulness, unity, and love we will begin to experience Him is a deeper personal relationship.
ROLL all your cares upon Him.
God is bigger than any problem you may be facing. There is no trouble too big for God to handle.
1 Peter, chapter 5, verse 7 says, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
As you cast all your anxiety on God, you will soon find that you can roll a lot on Him. He is BIG enough to handle all your worry, anger, greed, bitterness, unforgiveness, lust, selfish pride, addictions, doubts, impurity, hatred, racism, selfish ambition, envy and all the temptations that are causing hurt and pain in your life.
Whatever you are facing today please know that God cares about and loves you and He wants you to know there is hope as you walk your life journey. Take time to STOP, DROP, and ROLL. There is too much at stake to do otherwise.
