"Strength to get over yourself," (You Tube, 2008).
It's strange that we assimilate strength and ourselves. Firefighting is a team effort. Like the Army, one soldier doesn't win a war; likewise, one firefighter doesn't put out the fire. You might argue that only the one on the nozzle puts the fire out but what about the crew humping the hose around or the engine operator pumping water to the tip? We too, must have strength to over ourselves.
When was the last time you were on a scene and thought you were a part of a highly skilled and functioning operation? Did you think: I did awesome...or...I'm was part of the team? We can have confidence in our abilities but do others? Can people rely on you to do the seemingly meaningless tasks (like lighting, traffic duty, or RIT). Without every person doing the task at hand the entire operation "goes South."
Firefighters are incredibly competitive; however, we have to learn when competitiveness stops and teamwork begins.
Joshua 1:8 says, "Be strong and of good courage." Why did God tell Joshua to be strong and courageous? Was it because Joshua had what it took to do the job by himself? God told Joshua to be strong and courageous because God was on his team.
Who's on your team?
