Fighter Planes and Faithfulness

During World War II, U.S. bombers often flew under the protection of fighter planes. When enemy planes attacked, American fighters would retaliate and try to draw enemy planes away from the bombers. This left the larger, slower bombers exposed and vulnerable to other enemy fighters. As a result, they were shot down at alarming rates.

The famous Tuskegee Airmen employed a different strategy in protecting bombers that proved to be much more successful. It was simple: never leave. Tuskegee fighters would engage the enemy, but never chase the enemy away from the plane they were protecting. Their first mission was to stay close to the bomber. As a result, hundreds of bombers were saved while only a handful was lost on their watch.

The airmen and their innovative strategy illustrate the power of faithfulness. We are safest when those protecting us stick with us. Our well-being depends on our protector’s commitment to remain at our side.

This is true of God as our spiritual protector as well. We are kept safe by the fact that God is with us and will never, ever leave us. Deuteronomy 31 says, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” God’s faithfulness gives us confidence in our well-being.

As you go through the coming week, invite the Lord into your everyday life. Ask the Lord to draw close and rest assured that He will never leave you. As you do, you will find courage for the battles of life. You will also find an assurance in Christ that cannot be shot down.