Article by Pastor Edward Demirgian of Glasgow Baptist Church
Like so many Americans, I am truly grateful for the folks who have served and are serving our country in one of the branches of our military. The sacrifices extend beyond their own lives as their service leaves an unmistakeable impression on their families. From frequent moves, extended times of separation, and the scars and wounds of the battlefield, we owe a great debt to these heroes.
Sadly, many of our veterans return home trying to sort through all the challenges that they have incurred in service to our country. As a pastor, I have watched too often as these brave men and women battle these “demons” and sink under the weight of the heavy burdens that they carry. They feel alone, desperate, and without hope of ever experience “normal” again. Their gaze is often distant with their mind holding them captive to the pain that they have incurred.
As a follower of Christ, I am reminded that Jesus endured the greatest pain & suffering imaginable. As He lived here upon earth, He was despised and rejected by man, and He ultimately took the judgement for our sin as He gave His life on the cross. As He paid for sin and defeated death when He rose from the grave, He has provided the way to meet the deepest needs of our servicemen and women.
As we love our veterans, there are three elements that Jesus provides which will meet their greatest need.
1. HOPE… A person dealing with pain – whether it be physical, emotional, or mental needs to have hope. When there is no hope, a person spirals into deep depression and they are imprisoned by their thoughts. Only Jesus can provide true hope. He has made a way that we do not have to live with pain and suffering for eternity. There is truly light at the end of the long, dark tunnel.
2. HELP… When a person is all alone and feelsl like no one cares, there is Jesus. He is willing to listen and hear all their problems. He understands what it is like to be alone, and what it feels like to go through agony and pain. He desires to carry all our burdens for us and give us strength. His wisdom to deal with the problems is unmatched.
3. HEALING… When a person is dealing with a hurt, all they want is relief. They desire to receive healing, but cannot achieve it on their own. Jesus is the Great Physician. Not only does he care about our physical hurts, but more importantly, He demonstrated over and over that He offers healing of the mind & soul. Healing is not immediate, but through faithfully walking with Jesus, one can find healing.
As we witness the greatest needs of our veterans, let us work together to get them to Christ who is the only source of true HOPE, HELP, and HEALING!
Read more articles from VOM Magazine here: https://www.veteransoutreachministries.org/vom-magazine/
