Week 63: 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
Comments