Week 24: Marriages and Military Deployment
Please join us this week in praying for marriages dealing
with the military deployment of a spouse.
Although there are many elements of military life that can affect a
marriage, probably none affect the couple more than the separation of
deployment. Just preparing for the
deployment of a spouse can be stressful for the marriage. During this
preparation period it is not unusual for the couple to become emotionally and
physically detached. This
detachment may be an unconscious defense against the separation that would
otherwise be too emotionally hard.
The anticipation of the deployment is also accompanied by fear of the
unknown, fear of never seeing the departing spouse again and fear of facing
daily life alone. Once the
deployment occurs emotions can fluctuate wildly: relief that the good-bye is over; resentment of being
abandoned; guilt for abandoning; excitement about accomplishing a mission; deep
and debilitating loneliness. When
the deployment is during wartime, all these emotions and stresses are naturally
accentuated.
Please pray that couples facing military deployment will
- Hold fast to the peace of God that surpasses all understanding
- Be surrounded by the loving care and support of family and friends
- Stand strong against the evil one who will tempt them to be paralyzed by fear of the unknown
- Remember and remain committed to their marriage vows during this time of separation
- Have companions who will hold them accountable
- Lift up each other faithfully in prayer
- Communicate with each other as often as possible
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