I learned to pray and trust God when my husband, an Army officer, was deployed to Iraq to serve in the Persian Gulf War. We had been living in Europe for only six months when he received deployment orders. Living in a foreign country far away from home with a preschooler proved to be an unforeseen challenge. I knew there were sacrifices that I had to make as a military spouse, but I did not expect him to go to war so soon. I had to learn how to drive on the Autobahn, maintain a home, and make new friends. I lost hope because I depended upon my husband for so many things. Thankfully, I was taught the discipline of effective prayer as a child and began to put what I learned into practice. Jeremiah 33:3 says “Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.”
One of the most significant benefits of prayer is its ability to provide hope, fortitude, perseverance, a sense of inner peace and calm. In our fast-paced, Autobahn world, finding moments of serenity and reflection can be rare. Prayer offers us a designated time to connect with God. This tranquil reflection can be a refuge in a world filled with noise and distractions. Prayer is important to military spouses and families because it can help through the challenges military spouses face, such as deployments, frequent moves, and the loss of friends and support systems.
Each military family and spouse will encounter unique challenges and obstacles in life. Prayer will always be the master spiritual readiness plan. When you are feeling hopeless, under major attack against your marriage, family, health or career, surrendering these concerns thorough prayer reminds us we are not alone. It assures us that God never leaves, forsakes, or abandons us, and it provides a path to share intimately with him. “…When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.” Isaiah 59:19b.
Spiritual readiness in prayer is a sure way to daily victory!
