Sacrifice

While I was in the gym earlier today, I was listening to the song "My Sacrifice" by Creed. It brought me thoughts of not only the sacrifices that soldiers make, but their families as well. As a soldier, I know first hand what goes on over here in Iraq. The hardest part though, is the wives and family members who have to wait and worry until they here from their soldier again.

With this being my second deployment. I am used to the isolation. But this is my first one being married and with someone that I truly love and would give my life for. Kayleigh has been such a blessing to my life and my friends. She truly can bring a smile to your face just by talking with her. As her husband, I constantly think of what I am about to do, so that I make sure I can make it back home to the gift that God gave me. She puts up with so much stuff around the house. The bills, cars, cats and anything else life throws at her while I am gone.

As I said in the beginning of this blog, all families of the military go through the same thing. It all depends on the soldiers location, as to the extent of the danger. I pray that God will continue to bring His hand of mercy to all families, friends and of course us soldiers that are deployed.

Psalm 91 says:

"1. He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. 2. I will say to the Lord, "My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!" 3. For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper and from the deadly pestilence. 4. He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark. 5. You will not be afraid of the terror by night, or of the arrow that flies by day; 6. Of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, or of the destruction that lays waste at noon. 7. A thousand may fall at your side and ten thousand at your right hand, but it shall not approach you. 8. You will only look on with your eyes and see the recompense of the wicked. 9. For you have made the Lord, my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place. 10. No evil will befall you, nor will any plague come near your tent. 11. For He will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways. 12. They will bear you up in their hands, that you do not strike your foot against a stone. 13. You will tread upon the lion and cobra, the young lion and the serpent you will trample down. 14. Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him securely on high, because he has known my name. 15. He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. 16. With a long life I will satisfy him and let him see My salvation."

Wow! What strength you can find in just that one Psalm. As far as I know, it's been commonly called the Soldiers Psalm. At least in my world of being in the military. I read that passage to Kayleigh the night before I deployed. She was some what comforted after hearing it. As comforted as she could be given the situation. But truly Brothers and Sisters, I say that all can gain strength in the Lord from this Psalm. If you know Him and I mean TRULY know Him, God will protect you always! But there is a catch. You must lay your life down for Jesus as He did for our sins! Yes, I say that because He paid the ultimate sacrifice by dying on a cross. The least we could do is live our lives in a manner that is honoring to Him!

I end this with a prayer.

Dear God,

As I am here in Iraq, I can't help but think of everyone back home. My wife and my family. I thank you gracious God, that you have shown improvements in Amber and Leah's father's health. I hope and pray that you continue to heal the infection in his shoulder. Give strength to the Turner family and to those who are close to him. I also pray for the men and women of the US military. I pray that those of us that are deployed are able to come home safe and be with our families yet again. But I truly truly thank you God for the Ultimate Sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross! Without it, we would still be lost sheep of the world with no Shepard. In your Son's name I pray, Amen