Carrier Pigeons



When we think of heroes, we often picture soldiers, doctors, firefighters, or police officers. But during World Wars I and II, one of the most unlikely heroes came in the form of a small, feathered messenger: the carrier pigeon.

Carrier pigeons—also known as homing pigeons—were trained to deliver critical messages across battlefields. They possessed an incredible homing instinct that allowed them to fly hundreds of miles back to their home lofts, often under extreme danger. Trainers gradually increased the distance from their home base to strengthen this ability, and when a message needed to go out, it was attached to the pigeon’s leg. These swift messengers flew only one way—from their release location back to their home—making them reliable and invaluable in times of war.

Among these brave birds, one stands out: Cher Ami, a small but mighty pigeon whose courage saved countless lives and cemented her place in history.

During the Meuse-Argonne Offensive on October 4, 1918, the U.S. “Lost Battalion” of about 550 men was accidentally shelled by its own artillery while trapped in the Charlevaux Ravine. Poor visibility, broken communications, and incorrect location information led American artillery units to fire on the battalion, believing they were elsewhere. Major Charles Whittlesey sent his last carrier pigeon, Cher Ami, with a message alerting headquarters that friendly fire was falling directly on them. The message succeeded, and the shelling was stopped, preventing further casualties.

Faithful and Ready for the Mission

Cher Ami didn’t hesitate. He was ready, willing, and capable of completing the mission he was trained for. She didn’t turn back, even when danger surrounded her.

God’s Word reminds us:

  • “If anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him.” — Hebrews 10:38 (NKJV)

  • “He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” — James 1:8 (NKJV)

God prepares each of His servants uniquely—through trials, relationships, challenges, education, and wilderness seasons. Just as Cher Ami was trained to fly home, God trains us to fulfill His mission.

“And He has made My mouth like a sharp sword;
In the shadow of His hand He has hidden Me,
And made Me a polished shaft;
In His quiver He has hidden Me.”
— Isaiah 49:2 (NKJV)

God’s preparation is intentional. A servant shaped, molded, and refined becomes a polished shaft. Being “hidden in His quiver” shows us that seasons of obscurity are part of God’s plan—not rejection.

Lessons from the Disciples

Before Jesus sent the disciples into the world, He walked with them daily and taught them firsthand. But He didn’t sugarcoat what lay ahead:

  • “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves.” — Matthew 10:16 (NKJV)

  • “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you.” — John 15:18 (NKJV)

Cher Ami also wasn’t flying through sunshine and calm skies—he was flying through enemy fire.

1 Peter 4: 12-16 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 14 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.

Life as a believer is rarely easy. We will face challenges, opposition, and deception. Our response must mirror Jesus' response in the wilderness: “It is written.” (Matthew 4:4, NKJV)

There is a cost to following Christ—yet the cost of not following Him is far greater.

Jesus Himself was wounded for us:

  • “But He was wounded for our transgressions… by His stripes we are healed.” — Isaiah 53:5–6 (NKJV)

And we carry this hope:

  • “He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” — Philippians 1:6 (NKJV)

Paul echoed the endurance of a faithful servant:

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
— 2 Timothy 4:7 (NKJV)

The Enemy Will Always Try to Thwart God’s Plan

U.S, enemies did everything possible to take down wartime pigeons because a single delivered message could disrupt their plans and save lives. Likewise, Satan works tirelessly to hinder, distort, and oppose God’s purpose for your life.

ALL believers carry this divine mandate:

  • “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations…” — Matthew 28:19 (NKJV)

God’s truth is not to be altered or softened to make sin appear acceptable.

Paul warned:

  • “But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel… let him be accursed.” — Galatians 1:8 (NKJV)

He also confronted deception head-on:

  • “O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you…?” — Galatians 3:1 (NKJV)

We must remain anchored to Scripture. God calls us to obedience, faithfulness, and courage—no matter the opposition.

Galatians 5:15 (NKJV)
"But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!"

When we live apart from love and allow our lives to be ruled by the flesh rather than the Spirit, conflict and strife can take root. Paul warns us that believers who “bite and devour one another” risk being consumed by the very discord they create.

God calls us to a different way—one marked by patience, gentleness, and love. Living in the Spirit does not mean avoiding all disagreement, but it does mean that our interactions are guided by humility and care, not selfish ambition or anger.

Today, examine your heart: Are you responding to others in love, or are you letting frustration and pride devour your relationships? Let the Spirit guide you in every word and action so that unity, not destruction, reflects Christ’s mission through you.

Cher Ami — “Dear Friend”

The name Cher Ami means “Dear Friend” in French. In a similar way, Jude writes to believers as “dear friends,” urging them to stay faithful in dangerous times, contend for the faith, and guard against deception.

Jude 1:17–24 (NIV) — A Call to Persevere

17 But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold.
18 They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.”
19 These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.

20 But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit,
21 keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.

22 Be merciful to those who doubt;
23 save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.

Doxology

24 To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy—

Jude warns believers that deception, false teaching, and ungodly influences will increase in the last days. He instructs Christians to strengthen their faith, pray in the Holy Spirit, remain in God's love, and actively rescue those in spiritual danger. The passage ends with great assurance: God Himself is able to keep us from falling.

Every Believer Has a Mission

You may not serve on a battlefield, but every follower of Christ is called to participate in God’s rescue mission.

Restore those who have fallen:
“Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness.” — Galatians 6:1 (NKJV)

Share the gospel that saves souls:
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes.” — Romans 1:16 (NKJV)

Additional scriptures for encouragement:

  • Joshua 1:9 — Be strong and courageous; God is with you.

  • 1 Corinthians 4:2 — Faithfulness is required in stewardship.

  • John 12:26 — Follow Jesus and serve where He leads.

  • Matthew 5:12 — Great is your reward in heaven.

A Message of Hope: Returning and Beginning Anew

Cher Ami’s preserved body is displayed at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History under the exhibit “The Price of Freedom: Americans at War.” He later died from his wounds, but not before delivering a message that saved the “Lost Battalion.”

Jesus said:

  • “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” — Luke 19:10 (NKJV)

Like Cher Ami, who found his way home despite danger, God offers a way home for anyone who has wandered away.

Returning to God

“For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.”
— Luke 15:24 (NKJV)

The son’s “death” was spiritual—caused by sin and distance. His return symbolizes repentance, renewal, and restoration. God rejoices when one who has wandered returns.

For Those Who Have Never Known Jesus

It is never too late to begin a relationship with Him:

  • “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” — Romans 10:9 (NKJV)

  • “Behold, now is the accepted time… today is the day of salvation.” — 2 Corinthians 6:2 (NKJV)

  • “Not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” — 2 Peter 3:9 (NKJV)

No matter how far you’ve wandered—or whether you’ve never taken the first step—God’s invitation is the same:

Come home!

Like Cher Ami and other remarkable trained pigeons, let us never forget where home truly is. We must always remember that our ultimate home is not on earth, but in heaven.

  • “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” — Philippians 3:20 (NKJV)

Cher Ami may have been small, but he made a big impact. Like him, we are called to courage, faithfulness, loyalty, and obedience. Every act of obedience, every soul we restore, and every person we lead closer to Christ counts for eternity.

Whether returning to God or beginning a new journey with Him, His love never fails. Be bold, be faithful, and go where He sends you—because every mission matters in His kingdom.


Reflection Points

  • Who in your life may need restoration and encouragement this week?

  • Are there areas where you are double-minded or hesitant to obey God fully?

  • How can you share the gospel within your sphere of influence?

  • What risks or challenges are you facing where obedience to God may be costly yet rewarding?



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