Tom Barnard

“The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him,

and delivers them.”

(Psalm 14:7)

Eddie Rickenbacker was a fighter pilot and Ace in World War I. His life was a kaleidoscope of events centered around airplanes and cars. He accumulated more than 300 hours in combat flying during the First World War and had more than twenty “victories” (where he survived and an enemy pilot did not). Later he was awarded the highest honors for bravery in battle by both the United States and France.

During World War II he served as a consultant to the military in England as well as the United States. In October 1942 he was sent on a tour of the Pacific theater to deliver a secret message to General Douglas MacArthur. After visiting bases in Hawaii, his plane—a B-17 Flying Fortress—was en route to another military base in the Pacific when navigation failure caused the plane to stray miles off course, eventually losing fuel and forcing the pilots to crash-land into the rough seas of the Pacific Ocean.

Amazingly, the crew of eight survived the crash, but with injuries—one fatally. They made it aboard their life raft, but with very few provisions. Their food and water supply was exhausted in three days. The crew fought the sun, weather, and sharks. They needed a miracle.

On the eighth day the crew had an impromptu devotional service, praying for a miracle. Time dragged by very slowly. Trying to take a nap, Rickenbacker pulled his military cap over his nose. Suddenly, he felt something land on the top of his cap. It was a seagull. He carefully reached up and captured the gull. It wasn’t much of a meal for the men, but it was something. After devouring most of the bird, they used the intestines for bait, with which they caught fish and survived until they were rescued—after 24 days at sea.

Years later, Billy Graham asked Rickenbacker to share the story of his life-threatening experience and the events that led up to his affirming faith in Christ. Eddie said, “I have no explanation except that God sent one of his angels to rescue us.” God answered their prayers by sending an angel in the form of a seagull.

Do you sometimes feel like you are adrift in a sea of frustration and hopelessness, praying for a miracle but only seeing endless sea and insufficient provisions for the trip? Pray to God for a miracle. Pray for an angel of the Lord to locate you and deliver you. His angels are always near. Watch for them.

Heavenly Father, I know the feeling Rickenbacker felt. I, too, have experienced what seemed to be “near-death” experiences in the midst of my attempts to follow your leadership in my life. Thank you for bringing this story of survival and rescue to my awareness. Thank you for sending that “angel” that comes to bring hope and deliverance—just at the right time. As I share this story with others, I pray that you will use these words to bring hope to those who see no reason to have hope. In the strong Name of Jesus I pray. Amen.