Tags

, ,

I had the opportunity awhile back to talk to a young veteran. She like so many of us (myself included) was having trouble adjusting to civilian life. She did not understand those that did not serve and they did not understand her (sound familiar yet). Her answer to problem was to go back into the military, but God had other ideas.

I mentioned that she was young because I want people to understand that it is not the old crusty veteran that struggles with adapting to civilian life. Many if not most of those that serve in the military have struggled in some degree with understanding the civilian world at some time in their life. Age, rank and gender do not seem to matter.

Our struggle usually comes out in the form of resentment, anger, a superiority complex, or many other harmful responses. Because of our background in the military, we think we can solve the problem on our own and restore normalcy to our life. The truth is we cannot solve it on our own. We start making plans and taking action only too find that nothing works. Either our plans get thwarted some how or they fail to bring any peace.

The reason we are not successful is that we fail to let God work in us. Proverbs 19:21 says “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand.” When we make plans that do not align with God’s will, only two things can happen; God will close doors that prevent our plans and protect us from ourself, or He will let us carry them out to teach us we cannot solve this without Him. We need to take our struggles to the Lord and ask him to soften our hearts, give us His wisdom, and show us His will for our life. Only by letting Him work in us will we find peace in life outside the military and the plans He has for us.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.do not lean on your own understanding. Proverb 3:5-6