The Warrior’s Bride: Military Family ResiliencySample

FACING COMMON MILITARY LIFE STRESSES

The military life has many stressful moments, but do you have to do it alone? That’s a lie I once believed—or at least acted upon because it was simpler. 

In the Bible, Nehemiah wanted to rebuild the wall around Jerusalem that had been destroyed many years prior by Israel’s enemies. Living in captivity in Persia didn’t stop him. He prayed that God would grant him favor with the king, and when God provided an opening, he humbly asked for the time to go and the supplies he would need. “And because the gracious hand of my God was on me, the king granted my requests” (Nehemiah 2:8).

After taking three days to survey the city, Nehemiah said to the people, “Let us rebuild the wall” (Nehemiah 2:17–18). When their enemies began to plot against them, Nehemiah posted a guard (4:7–9). When the threat became bigger, he unified families to work and fight together (4:13–20). And what happened? Something beautiful:

So the wall was completed on the twenty-fifth of Elul, in fifty-two days. When all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self-confidence, because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God. (Nehemiah 6:15–16)

This story is a beautiful illustration of how God wants His children to work together. The problems around us are often overwhelming. Don’t always try to tough it out alone. Reach out, join arms with the military spouses around you.

Consider:  

• How hard is it for you to ask others for help?    
• What is one area that you can reach out and offer your help to others?

Pray: 

Father, showing vulnerability is sometimes hard, but I know You want Your children to love each other and work together. Help me to find safe people I can rely on, and help me to be a blessing to others around me.