Reintegration After DeploymentSample

The Grace of Healing

Amanda said the man who came home from deployment was not the man she married. It wasn’t obvious at first, but Josh was increasingly showing signs of post-traumatic stress. The thought that this might be what they were facing as a couple was scary to both of them, so they were afraid to talk about it. Both of them were surprised by Josh’s symptoms because he had gotten through three prior deployments without experiencing this level of operational stress. But things were getting worse, and neither of them knew exactly what to do. Amanda wondered if she should leave Josh. After all, this felt like more than she had signed up for when they married.

Your time of excitement at reintegration may be overshadowed by a long-term discovery of what is now going to be “different” in your marriage. Your commitment to each other in marriage will be tested, and you must remember that you are never alone—“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).

The struggles you experience may include physical injury, combat trauma, survivor’s guilt—all compounded by how you feel your experience is affecting your family. It took courage to face the enemy in war, but it may require more courage to face what is warring inside of you. Help is available, and God will strengthen you to stand strong together as a couple 

Whether your wounds of war are visible or invisible, God is the healer. The truth is, Jesus not only defeated death, but He defeated the effects of death—and you can find hope in His victory over the effects of death still fighting in you. 

The grace of healing says, “We will walk steadfastly, and with hope, together in God’s grace through the darkness of injury or combat trauma into the light of His Son, Jesus Christ.”

1. What do Josh and Amanda need to do next to help each other? Does any of their story apply to you?

2. How does a couple experiencing the wounds of war help others? What help do you need?

Read “He Returned Home a Troubled Man,” the story of Rusty and Marsha Mauney and how God healed their marriage after he returned from deployment.