From the moment my child told me about his desire to serve, I knew we would both need to rise to the challenges of military life.
Although serving our country was my child’s lifelong dream, he would be stepping far beyond his comfort zone.
Fear tends to get a grip on us when we know our children will face difficult and even dangerous times in life. How can we embark on this transformative time in life with strength and resilience?
Turning to God for prayer and praise helped me be brave and sustain from day to day. Although I couldn’t be there to protect my child, God would be with him every step of the way.
As my Soldier’s military career pressed on, I often found myself down on my knees, calling out to God to keep him safe.
I hope these Bible verses help you in your prayer and support for your Soldier.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
Proverbs 3:5
It’s easy to give up or give in to fear when trying to accomplish things far outside your comfort zone. Pray for God’s power, wisdom, and goodness to help your Soldier move past any obstacles that get in their way, especially during those first weeks of training.
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9
When my son was deployed to an unfamiliar world full of danger at every turn, all I could do was love, support, and pray for him. The Lord is a source of strength to help your loved one make good decisions and face each mission with courage and faith.
(Photo by Maj. Thomas Cieslak)
The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
Psalm 18-2
Not long after training my son and his bride were off to his first duty station overseas. Their first adventure out of the country proved demanding, rewarding, and amazing. Being in a foreign land without family, they needed a firm foundation that can only be found through faith in God. A natural reaction to the storms of life are doubt and fear. But God gives us a safe place in which to dwell, to calm any of life’s storms.
But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me. Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love.
Psalm 31:14-16
As my son deployed around the world, my prayers focused on a shield of protection around him. We can nurture a relationship with God and trust in Him, we can rest in His love, knowing that He has our best interests at heart.
When I am afraid, I put my trust in You. In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?
Psalm 56:3-4
I knew my son was in dangerous situations during deployments. I prayed daily and put my trust in the Lord to protect my son from fear and fill him with courage. God helps us in times of need and is greater than anything we might fear.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 14:27
As military moms, there’s no end to the fears that take our minds to places we’d rather not go. When we have unshakable faith, God arms us with strength to have the kind of peace that only He can give. Faith in Him gives way to joy and peace.
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10
How many times did I step out of my comfort zone to look beyond my own understanding? Too many too count. I continually prayed for my son to see God as his helper and receive His powerful protection, while basking in His grace.
(U.S. Army photo)
The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.
Exodus 14:14
My son’s military journey weaved through good times, great accomplishments, and challenges. I encouraged his faith in the Lord. I prayed that he fix his thoughts on God instead of the worries that occupied his mind. Take a moment of stillness, in prayer and praise to help your loved one see the positive side of challenging situations.
Conclusion
My hope and prayer is for you and your military loved one to live a life filled with the peace and joy that God gives us.
God has a purpose for everyone, we just need to open our heart, mind, and soul to Him.
So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
Hebrews 4:16
Resources You Might Like
Military Mom Prayer Journal
During my child’s deployment, my faith was strengthened as I turned to God to protect my Soldier and help me be brave. I created a Military Mom Prayer Journal with Bible verses and pages for you to spill your thoughts and prayers as you embrace your journey.
Find Freedom through Faith on your Military Mom Journey
Find Freedom through Faith on your Military Mom Journey is a guide to help you embrace your role as a military mom by replacing your fears with God’s peace. By trusting in God, you can learn to raise your inner strength and resilience.
