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The Seven Deadly Lies of Deployment

Just as there is an enemy on the battlefield of war, there is an enemy who seeks to attack and destroy lives with deception on the battlefield of truth. Who is that enemy? Satan, the devil, the evil one. 

Military couples are particularly vulnerable to Satan’s crafty schemes during deployment. So be prepared to fight the seven deadly lies of deployment:

1. “We didn’t sign up for this much time apart. We may as well not be married.” The truth is, the challenges of deployment are just that—challenges. Commitment is key! (Mark 10:6-9)

2. “What if the worst happens? I’ll never be able to handle that.” The truth is, God is faithful to meet our every need in the past, in the present, and in the future. (Philippians 4:13)

3. “My friends all tell me I’m wasting my life being married.” The truth is, we should develop Christian friendships with those of your same gender whose marriages stand strong—even during deployments. Make sure your source of advice is from THE Book and not Facebook! (Hebrews 13:4)

4. “No one understands what I’m going through.” The truth is, God knows, and isolation is a sure step toward loneliness. Find a good church, join a support group, and seek ways to serve others. (Psalm 139:7-10)

5. “My kids are going to be scarred. I’ll never get back this time.” The truth is, God is at work in your children’s lives for their good character and His glory—even during deployment.  Pray to trust Him to redeem the time! (Romans 5:3-5)

6. “No one will ever know what I do when we’re apart.” Don’t be fooled. The truth is, many will know, and most importantly, you and God will know. (Proverbs 28:13)

7. “With my spouse gone all the time, my needs are not being met. God wouldn’t want me to be this unhappy.” The truth is, selfishness is a marriage-killer. Demonstrating love for your spouse while living in a deployment culture is a powerful testimony to the grace of God. (Philippians 2:3-4)

And remember 1 Peter 5:8-9: “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith . . .”

1. If you have believed any of these lies, ask God for forgiveness and turn to the freedom of truth.

2. If you have hurt your spouse by believing and voicing lies, ask your spouse for forgiveness.

Listen as Mike and Linda Montgomery discuss the unique pressures that military families face during deployment on FamilyLifeToday.com.