Billy Graham’s My Answers on God and Military

By   •   November 11, 2015

god and military

Over the years, people around the world have submitted questions via My Answer to Billy Graham regarding military service. We honor those who have served our nation in a very profound and sacrificial way.

Q: My husband is serving with the military overseas, and I can’t begin to tell you how difficult it’s been for our children and me. How can we get through this? I pray all the time, but it’s still very hard.
The most important thing I can tell you is that God knows all about your situation, and He wants to assure you of His love and concern. He knows your fears and your loneliness, and He also knows the struggles and practical problems you face every day as a family.
Read more »

Q: Our son is planning to enlist in the military in a few months. I know we’re supposed to believe God will take care of him, but right now we’ve got a bad case of nerves and our fears are a lot stronger than our faith. How can we get over this?
Almost every parent who’s seen a son or daughter (or in my case, a grandson) enter the military has had similar feelings — and they are understandable. You love your son very much, and you know he is choosing an important but potentially dangerous career.
Read more »

Q: I was discharged from the military recently after being in Iraq for two tours of duty, and while there I barely escaped serious injury or death at least three times. In fact, some of my buddies didn’t make it. I can’t help but feel that God must have spared me for a reason, but how do I figure out what it is? I’m kind of at loose ends right now. 
I don’t know exactly why God spared your life — but He knows! That’s why I urge you to seek His will, both for the immediate future and for the rest of your life. God has a plan for you, and the most important thing you can do is seek it. And He wants to show it to you! Jesus’ promise is true: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7).
Read more »

Q: Right now, I’m in the military deployed in Afghanistan, and I’ve really grown closer to God during my time here. Do you think God wants me to be a pastor or something like that when I get out? How can I know?
The most important advice I can give you is to seek God’s will for your future. Yes, God does call some into what we often call full-time service. But every Christian is called to serve God full time, no matter where they are or what they do for a living! The Bible says, “Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).
Read more »

Q: I prayed a lot while I was on duty in Iraq and I made all sorts of promises to God about the way I’d live if He got me out of there alive. Well, He did, but I’ve been back about six months now, and I’m ashamed to say I have not followed through on my promises. How can I do better?
One place to start would be to pause at the beginning of every day and thank God for watching over you during a very dangerous time in your life. The Bible says, “You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance” (Psalm 32:7).
Read more »