You are called to be a Warrior’s Wife
* This piece originally appeared in the 2016 MOPS International publication, Searching for Stars, a devotional for military moms. For info about MOPS Intl. can be found at MOPS.org
You married a warrior. A man who is trained to fight and win our nation’s wars. This is no small burden and not every man is up to the task. Those who choose to bravely stand up and put themselves between us and our enemies are a rare breed. So rare in fact, that less than 1% of American men are currently serving in the United States military. They serve not because it’s easy, for the money or the prestige, but because it is a calling. This calling is defined by words casually spoken by those who have never served, but they are full of meaning to the warrior: duty, honor, loyalty and sacrifice.
Standing beside that warrior is someone equally called: YOU. The life of a military spouse is loaded with excitement and adventure. It is also has more than its share of hardship, loneliness and sacrifice, which makes many wonder why we stick it out. We endure because we are also called to a life of service, whether we do it by wearing the uniform or by supporting those who do. Do not minimize this higher calling for your life or fear you do not have what it takes to shoulder such a heavy burden. God does not call the equipped, he equips the called. This is the mission field God has prepared for you in this season of your life. The courageous military spouse knows the dangers and the risks involved, but nonetheless, emboldens her husband as he steps forward into the fray. Rather than allowing our fears to dictate our lives, we surround ourselves with women who share in the understanding of the power and pride in our defining words: duty, honor, loyalty and sacrifice. Together we share the joy and the grief of this warrior life. We can encourage each other to give our anxieties to God, who promises to trade them for a peace and a hope that is so unusual, our human minds cannot fully comprehend it. God called YOU to this role and will give you the courage and strength needed to confidently answer His call every day. “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying,” Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here I am. Send me.” Isaiah 6:8.
