Casandra Martin

It started seventy-two years ago. On September 7, 1940, Nazi Germany began a bombing campaign meant to cripple the resources and melt the resolve of the United Kingdom. It was called The Blitz, which in German means ‘lightning’. For fifty-seven straight nights, waves of German bombers flew into England, dropping terror and destroying over one million homes in London alone. More than forty-thousand people died as Hitler attempted to bully England into concessions and fear.

England refused to stumble before the evil pushing so hard against its national soul. The people of the United Kingdom dug in, preparing to withstand the onslaught. Children were sent from the cities into the countryside in order to take them out of the bomb’s path. Shortages caused the people to come together to survive. And the cities went dark. Complete blackouts were required in order to prevent giving German bombers a clear target.

Imagine the preparations that took place just before nightfall. Windows were covered. Every crack was examined. Lights were doused. Supplies were gathered. Places of refuge were sought. They knew the blitz was coming. Their best defense was found in their resolve to never, ever give up.

Sometimes it feels like we are in the middle of a blitz. The enemy unleashes a lightning attack on our souls. We feel pounded, pressured, prodded, and pummeled by unrelenting waves of terror. His aim is to puncture our hope, drain our joy, and rock our peace. Wearying nights of fear give way to dawns filled with taking inventory of the debris and destruction. Is it possible to hold on through one more blitz?

My Jesus Resolution today is to resolve to never, ever give up. The enemy is strong and unrelenting, but Jesus is stronger and more faithful. He calls us to take shelter in His love, find our peace in His presence, and rely on His promises. He sees the attack. He collects your tears. He understands your fears. He gives us words of hope and encouragement to write on our hearts, in our homes, at our offices, and within our relationships. Words to whisper to our loved ones and shout at the enemy. “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33