WOUNDED WARRIORS

June 6, 2012

With us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles. 2 Chronicles 32:8

I just finished reading the May issue of Decision Magazine, a publication of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. In it is an article about Operation Heal Our Patriots (OHOP), a part of Samaritan’s Purse, which is run by Billy Graham’s son Franklin.

OHOP is conducted out of Samaritan Lodge Alaska, a retreat adjacent to beautiful, remote Lake Clark National Park and Preserve (look at its photos and you’ll see what I mean). It’s a place for wounded soldiers and their spouses where trained staff ministers to their spiritual and physical needs.

I don’t know many people in the military, but this made me realize just how stressful life is for an active duty soldier’s family—frequent moves, sometimes out of the country, and multiple deployments, especially these days to Afghanistan. All of this creates hardship and stress for the spouse left behind—shouldering the brunt of the parenting, household tasks and often another job—and children, who change schools frequently. Then there’s the adjustment when the soldier comes home for everyone. The soldier also has to deal with the transition from military to home life, and possibly post-traumatic stress syndrome from being in a war zone.

So I’m thankful for this project where service members and their families can receive Biblically based counseling, and enjoy a week in this gorgeous wilderness location—at no cost.

We are all wounded warriors, in a way. We may not have engaged in combat, but we’ve certainly fought through life’s ups and downs. We may have strain at home or on the job, health problems, financial concerns or personal trauma. The stressors may come from outside or from within. But in every circumstance, through every trial, we have a Friend who will stick “closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24), a God who “will redeem [our] soul in peace from the battle which is against [us]” (Psalm 55:18). “Cast your burden upon the Lord,” David concludes in this psalm of lament, “and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken” (Psalm 55:22).

Take God up on His invitation to cast all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). The cost to Him was great (Philippians 2:5-8, 1 Peter 2:21-24)—but for us, it’s free (Romans 6:23, Ephesians 2:8-9).

2 comments

  1. Wounded Warrior Directory says:

    It is true were all wounded warriors just being in this world. But if you do learn the truth, which you wrote so well, we have a Friend who will stick “closer than a brother” it truly makes things easier. Yes Thank You Jesus! Thank you for this post. I found your article due to the subject Wounded Warriors. I’m commenting on behalf of wounded warriors in an effort to help promote and support service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses. Many wounded warriors are coming home, getting out of the military and jobs are very limited. Therefore many have decided to start their own businesses in an attempt to survive and support their families. In an effort to help, we have created the Wounded Warrior Directory, the one and only directory dedicated solely to supporting service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses at http://www.VeteransDirectory.com/. Great place to find teaming partners or hire a veteran sub contractor. Please help us let others know about these businesses and this cause. Thank you!

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