Every first responder understands the critical moment of decision—that split second when you either act on your training or hesitate. The difference can be life-altering. In our spiritual lives, we face similar moments when God places impressions on our hearts. Do we act in faith or retract in fear?
God speaks to us in various ways—through scripture, prayer, circumstances, and often through subtle impressions on our hearts and minds. These impressions might come as a sudden thought to check on a fellow officer, call a family member, or even change your patrol route. For first responders who regularly navigate high-stress environments, distinguishing between anxiety-driven thoughts and divine guidance requires practice and discernment.
The prophet Elijah didn’t find God in the earthquake or fire but in a “still, small voice” (1 Kings 19:12). Similarly, God’s impressions in our lives are rarely flashy demands—they’re gentle nudges that align with His character and Word.
When divine impressions come, our natural response is often hesitation. Why? Fear of embarrassment, concern about overstepping boundaries, or simply doubting our discernment. As a police officer shared during one of our peer support groups: “I felt strongly I should talk to this young man about hope, but worried I might violate department policy on religious discussions. I later discovered he’d been contemplating suicide that very day.”
This retraction from spiritual impulses comes at a cost—missed opportunities to be God’s hands and feet in a hurting world. In our spiritual resilience workshops, we often discuss how ignoring these impressions can gradually diminish our spiritual sensitivity.
Responding to God’s impressions requires what I call “faithful courage”—moving forward despite uncertainty because you trust the One guiding you. Consider developing these practices:
One dispatcher found finding spiritual anchor transformed her ability to recognize and respond to God’s guidance during chaotic shifts. “What seemed like random thoughts became recognizable as God’s voice guiding me to offer the right words to officers in crisis.”
When we act on divine impressions, we often discover we’re participating in something much larger than ourselves. One officer felt compelled to share his faith journey with a troubled teen during a routine call. Years later, that young man—now a pastor—reached out to thank him for being obedient to that spiritual prompting.
As first responders, you’re trained to act decisively in crises. Faithfully executing those same decisive responses to God’s impressions can create ripple effects of hope and healing in ways you may never fully know this side of heaven.
During our next Sheepdog Safety Training Seminar, we’ll explore practical exercises to heighten your spiritual awareness while maintaining professional boundaries. Remember, the God who calls you to serve and protect others is the same God who whispers guidance to your heart.
Will you act or retract the next time God impresses something on your spirit? The choice is yours, but remember—some of life’s greatest blessings arrive on the other side of faithful obedience.