Briefing: How often do we take credit for the good things in our life? When we get promoted, or get a good transfer, we usually think it was because we are really good at our job or we got it because we deserve it, or better yet “they owe it to me”. On the other hand, how many times do we blame other people for the bad circumstances we find ourselves in?

Dispatch (Assignment): Read John 9:1-12.

On the Street: Law enforcement officers sometimes get jaded. Do you look at people and their condition and think, “they made their bed.”? We are giving them credit (or blame) for the position they are in. We don’t get to take credit or pass blame to anyone.

Think about your own circumstances. Have you considered that your state of affairs was due to God? He set all the pieces in place around you. He is giving you an opportunity to show the world His mighty works, displayed in your life.

Take this story in John, chapter 9, where Jesus’ disciples are walking along and they see a man who had been blind since birth. Either this man never had a set of eyes or they were broke/inoperable before he was born.

They ask Jesus why the man was born without sight. “His disciples asked Him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” John 9:2 (NIV). Jesus tells them that they are looking at this situation all wrong. Don’t judge the situation based on the people involved; they did not create the circumstances. Look at the situation as an opportunity to glorify God. In other words, what can I do in this state of affairs I find myself in that would bring glory to God?

We have a problem focusing all of our attention on ourselves and each other when we should be focusing on God and His glory.

Are you able to recognize God at work in the circumstances of your life? Do you consider the fact that He was responsible for where you are and what you are dealing with? Reading this you might ask, “why would He do that?” As Jesus said, it was so that the work of God might be displayed in your life.

We need to be careful about complaining about our circumstance. Keep in mind it might have been God who put you there. Instead, we should be asking what kind of work He is planning to do in this situation that will display His work in my life.

For us in law enforcement, the challenge is to approach every call and situation asking, “How does God desire to be glorified in this circumstance and what is my role in making it happen?”

Investigational Resources: Read Ephesians 6:18 and Philippians 4:6 for advice on how to react to difficult circumstances.

Officer Safety Principle: As you go from call to call, look at each incident as being orchestrated by God for you. He is giving you an opportunity to glorify Him. Will you take advantage of the opportunity?

from The Gospel of John Through the Eyes of a Cop
©by Charles Gilliland. Used by permission.
Click here to check out the entire Through the Eyes of a Cop series!