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This weekend I attended a conference held by Military Outreach of Greater Chicago. The purpose of this conference was to equip individuals and churches in the Chicago metropolitan area to provide a support role to all military members, veterans and their families impacted by the invisible wounds of military service.
I sat quietly through the conference listening to how we as a church can be a beacon of God's hope and light to our military community. Paul tells us in Galatians to carry each other's burdens (Gal. 6:2). The burdens of our military community are great. Not only can we be a beacon of God's hope and light to them, we need to be.
The presenter closed our time together by sharing from Psalm 118:6.
"The Lord is with me, I will not be afraid."
As is becoming rather common for me these days, tears began to well up. I was there to learn how to reach and support our military community but as I heard those words from Psalm 118:6 they filled a need in my own heart.
My husband will soon deploy. The day is approaching all too quickly and the closer it gets the greater my fears become. The words from Psalm 118:6 gave me comfort. They reminded me of how He is with us and I do not need to fear the day to come. And I'm grateful for the church community we have that will be praying for us daily.
But If my own need for God feels so great how can I not be a beacon of His hope and light to our military community? They need me. They need you too.
"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." ~ Galatians 6:2
Today and everyday, let us be praying for our military members and their families. Your prayers for my family would also be appreciated. If you are a military family please let me know how I can be praying for you.
Dearest Beth, you, your husband and the many others who are in your shoes are in my prayers. I was a Navy kid and know life from that point, but not from your perspective. Yet, God knows. The Holy Spirit will, WILL, pray for me to God rightly for you. My heart is so touched by the military all the time, and knowing you are in this too makes it even more so, my friend.
ReplyDeleteYou are precious in His sight and is never far. Your Scriptures are perfect to recall at any given moment.
Caring through Christ, and with love, ~ linda @ Being Woven
Thank you, Linda. Thank you to your family and thank you for your heart for our military men and women. Your prayers will be appreciated by many and surely by me.
DeleteMuch love,
Beth
Oh, Beth, you will certainly be in my thoughts and prayers as your family prepares for this monumental change. I can't believe I was complaining that my husband was gone for a week; I'm so humbled.
ReplyDeleteWhether a day or several months it's always hard to have them gone. Thank you for your prayers, Carrie.
Delete{Hugs},
Beth
Dear Beth, My thoughts and prayers are with you! The promises in the Bible are the rock to rest on - God sees our fears and wants to comfort and just embrace us... When Words are not enough, the prayer takes over - You & your family will be in my prayers, my friend!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Nina. I loved this ---> "When words are not enough, the prayer takes over." Thank you so much for your loving words today and your prayers.
DeleteMuch love,
Beth
YEP! He's the only reason I can stay away from fear. He will hold me, He will draw me to Himself even when I'm buried in fear. So often, so much.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
Amen! Blessings to you, Beth.
DeleteI am praying for you and your family my friend. May God draw you ever close and surround you with His peace! Have a beautiful week!
ReplyDeleteBeth,
ReplyDeleteYou are so in my prayers as the time draws near for your hubby to deploy. I will try my best to be there for you to remind you that you don't have to fear. I can only begin to imagine what you must deal with!! You are loved my friend,
Bev ((hugs))