When I worked in law enforcement, it was imperative you knew who your back-up was. Not all cops are the same, just like not all people are the same, and some have strengths different from their peers. So knowing each person very well was a benefit and gave one peace of mind if something went wrong.
Often, I found myself in a touch-and-go situation without back-up. One such time happened when I was assigned to a team of 8 police officers who were being dropped into an illegal marijuana growing compound via helicopter. I was the only female and carried the only AR-15 on the team. The helicopter ride, and looking out the open cargo door as we approached our landing zone, had my adrenalin flowing. Anxiously, and with knees shaking, I awaited the order to "jump" and listened to the crewman counting down the feet of decent as he lay on the floor in front of me.
Suddenly, we hit something. The helicopter violently lurched, then rapidly climbed in elevation. We all were thrown to the floor, and the crewman who was counting down the distance was thrown out the open door and was hanging on for dear life. Myself and another of the team reached over and pulled the crewman back in to safety. We were told the helicopter blade hit a large tree and it broke the rotator blade, which I could see was off-kilter through the open cargo door. We were told we had to "get out" or we would crash because of the weight. We were quickly ordered to exit the open door, slide down the skids, and drop approximately 15 feet to the ground. At that moment, I had no back-up to help me. I was on my own even while I was with my partners. Each of us was alone. I began to pray. God answered me,
6 "Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them,
for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you.
He will not fail you or forsake you.”
Deuteronomy 31:6 (NASB)
Your experiences in life may or may not be as exciting as this scenario. In the world of law enforcement, military, firefighters, and first responders, these types of stories are common and are what makes for exciting TV shows. In reality, it's not fun when it's happening. Since I'm here today to be able to tell that story, it had a happy ending. We all jumped to the ground (thankfully without any injuries) and the mission ended successfully.
Life can give us all unexpected lurches, hard turns, and u-turns that bring us to place where we question, "How the heck did I get here?" Sometimes, it's hearing you have Cancer, or you're going through an unexpected divorce, or learning of your partner's affair, or that your spouse has molested your daughter or son, that takes your breath away. These events create a similar immediate feeling of hopelessness, isolation, and fear. This is when you can reach out to God who never fails you or forsakes you.
I recommend you print out the above photo and put it someplace where you can see it daily. When you are feeling any of the listed emotions due to unexpected circumstances, you can go to the scriptures and find comfort. Even when you are alone, you are never alone. Even when you feel life is hopeless, there is always hope. Even when you are discouraged, the Bible can encourage you.
If you need additional encouragement and support please call Encouragers Counseling & Training. We will be your emotional back-up.