C.S Lewis was called upon in 1941 by the Royal Air Force of Great Britain to instruct the airmen in Christianity. “The airmen have a tour of duty that lasts thirty missions,” Lewis was told by the Chaplain. “they must get very relieved when their tour is completed,” responded Lewis. “On average, the Chaplain paused, “a man lasts only thirteen missions. No one needs Christ more than these men do.” (C.S. Lewis, by Sam Wellman, pg. 133)

Many people have suggested reasons why England’s fragile air force was able to fend off German air attacks in World War II. Some point to the better maneuverability of the British planes compared to the German’s . Others suggest that the spirit of protecting the homeland sustained the men; but seldom is it mentioned that prayers and focusing on Christ were integral to the preparation of the pilots and navigators.

The heroism and the success of the R.A.F. has become legendary and an inspiration to many. This is the word of the Lord. . . . “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,” says the Lord Almighty. (Zechariah 4:6) This message, spoken and written in different circumstances in the Bible, is a recurring theme, a call not to forget that good things we believe we have accomplished by ourselves have been achieved only through God’s hands: My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:9) From ancient times: “Do Not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield, your very great reward.” (Genesis 15:1) The rock, the shield,and the power of God are themes that move throughout the Old and New Testaments. All the plagues visited upon the Egyptians at the Exodus were demonstrations of the power of God to rescue and save His people. From the fall of Creation, God’s unfailing power to restore His people has been on display and can be traced throughout the Bible as a revelation and confirmation of God’s character and capacity to save. It is a message from Hosea in the Old testament : I will save them ,(The people of Judah) not by bow, sword, or battle, or by horses and horsemen, but I, the Lord their God, will save them.”

Some say that the German air force experienced a spirit of resistance that they had not anticipated and that surprised and finally defeated them for the time it took for reinforcements to arrive in Britain. No one doubted that there was a Spirit at work . The chaplain knew His name.

Love in Him,

Prue