Thank you for your letter — and thank you for your service to our country. We live in dangerous times, and we should be praying not only for our nation’s leaders, but also for all those who are working to bring a greater measure of peace to our world.

I’m thankful, too, that more efforts are being made to help our service people make the often difficult transition from military to civilian life. Perhaps your letter will encourage employers to recognize the advantages of hiring men and women who learned skills in the military that can be put to good use in their companies. An employer once told me that he likes to hire ex-service people because they make disciplined and dedicated workers.

I know you get discouraged, but listen: God knows your situation and He knows what is best for you. That’s why the most important thing you can do is turn to Him and seek His plan for your future. If you have never done so, by a simple prayer of faith ask Christ to come into your life. Then ask Him to guide you as you seek His will. The Bible says, “In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:6).

Never forget: God has not abandoned you. He loves you, and just as He’s been with you in the past, so He’ll be with you in the future. Put your faith and hope in Him.