Some people are doers. They don’t ask questions; they see a need and jump in to fill it.
My friend Phyllis is one of those people. During my pregnancy with our fourth child, I was on bedrest for several months. Our other children were 6, 4, and 2 years old. Somehow, we made it through that time. Steve would help get me and the children settled in the mornings before work, run home at lunch to be sure kids were fed and down for naps, and come home as quickly as he could after work to oversee the evening, while our neighbor checked on me a couple of times a day. (I won’t even go into homeschooling while on bedrest here. That is a post for another day!)
Phyllis, while teaching full-time herself, was one of a couple of people who consistently checked on us, showed up with dinners, or with a cleaning caddy… announcing she was there to clean bathrooms or whatever else we needed. No questions–just action.
My oldest daughter-in-law’s sister is another doer. Seeing the recent need from two hurricanes, she rallied her friends and church family in California to donate items and help people they’ll probably never meet.
I’m sure you also know some people like this. We need the doers! Less talk and more action.
You know who else is a doer? GOD. While it may be difficult to see at times, He is constantly working on your behalf.
During deployment, it may not feel like He is working. You may not see Him working. You may struggle with doubt and wonder if He even sees your situation. Especially if your spouse is in a dangerous place, it can be difficult to understand what His plan is for you and your family. When you see your kids worried and struggling, when you can’t sleep for the thoughts racing through your mind, you can wonder how any of this is part of His good plan for you.
Of course, I don’t know your situation. And if you’ve been in the military life long enough, you know that there are no guarantees. No outcome is assured. While this is depressing if we dwell on it long enough, there are some things guaranteed.
God’s love. His care for you. His presence.
I’ve shared before 15 Bible verses for military spouses facing deployment or separation. But today, let’s talk about God’s promises. There are so many! Our church is currently working through Max Lucado’s new study, Unshakable Hope. Each week, we look at a promise of God and make a point to study and dwell on it.
I thought it would be a good idea to look at a few promises from the Bible that especially apply to military spouses. I know when I’m struggling or doubting, God knows. And I also know that I need to keep the truth in front of me, to learn it so I have something to cling to during the dark moments.
Below are some thoughts and Scriptures to hold onto when your spouse deploys.
1) God promises to give you strength when you feel like you can’t go on.
2 Corinthians 12:9: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
2) Nothing surprises God.
Isaiah 40:28: “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.”
3) God cares about you.
1 Peter 5:7: “Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.”
4) God has not forgotten you.
Isaiah 49:15: “Can a mother forget her baby…and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!”
5) God will never leave you.
Deuteronomy 31:8: “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Whatever circumstance you’re going through today, whether it’s the deployment of your spouse or something else entirely, I hope you are encouraged by these Scriptures. Consider memorizing these or other Bible verses that remind you of God’s love and care. It’s so good to remind our hearts constantly of the truths of God’s Word!
I’d love to hear! What’s your favorite Bible verse or promise of God when your spouse is deployed or away on military duty?
Get even more resources for your military spouse life:
- 15 Bible Verses for Military Spouses Facing Deployment or Separation
- My books for military spouses
- 5-day Deployment Devotional
