Week 252: 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 affects 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 sadness of the coming separation. The
anticipation of the deployment can also be accompanied by fear, fear of the
unknown, fear of never seeing the departing spouse again and even the 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; or deep and debilitating
loneliness. When the deployment is during wartime, all these emotions and
stresses are naturally accentuated.
Please
pray 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