When and how do we know that miracles have occurred? There are countless examples in history. Some miracles are obvious, some acts of divine intervention, are not. Take for example the “Miracle of Dunkirk ” as Winston Churchill would call it.
It was after May 10th 1940 and the German Panzer attack through Belgium was so swift and furious that by may 24th, the British and French armies were pushed back to the north coast of France. The new British Prime Minister Winston Churchill called the events in France ” a colossal military disaster” saying, “the whole root and core and brain of the British army” had been stranded at Dunkirk and faced annihilation. This could have been a major turning point in world history. Had the British army not been evacuated so quickly in the biggest operation in military history there would have been no D-day, and Europe, Britain, and even America would look very different at least!
So why was it a miracle? There is a whole list of reasons. The new movie “The Darkest Hour” accurately recounts the political changes that occurred in Britain the weeks during this event. Without Churchill, his sudden appointment, a new British war cabinet, and swift action down to the day, the British army would have been destroyed or captured.
The recent movie “Dunkirk” reminds us of the desperate situation on the beaches of France. Over three hundred thousand men trapped at the waters edge, no boats, no docks for large ships, and completely surrounded by the German army. On May 23rd, a major miracle would occur. The German army halted their attack. German generals after the war called it “one of Hitler’s most critical mistakes.” The timing was miraculous, just in time to prepare Allied defenses and facilitate evacuation.
Another obvious “act of God” would occur. Starting on May 28th, the 2nd critical day for a mass evacuation, an incredible storm broke over the beach area (Flanders) and lasted for days. This grounded the German Luftwaffe squadrons, not allowing the planes to easily gun down and kill the thousands of men on the open beaches.
The greatest miracle would be the unprecedented action of the British civilians. Small boats could load men on the beaches without docks. Enough small and medium watercraft could save an army. Like angels, British civilians answered the call. “close to a thousand watercraft saved 338,226 lives in the days between May 27th and June 4th, 1940.’
The “Miracle of Dunkirk,” I believe is an example of Godly intervention. The sudden critical leadership of one of the greatest statesmen in history, Winston Churchill. The almost hopeless situation that turned into the largest successful exodus in military history. The unlikely suspended attack of the German war machine. The uncoincidental timing of extreme weather covering the escape of a third of a million soldiers. The brave and immediate action of everyday British citizens by the thousands saving their beloved countrymen.
That we should be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us;
Luke 1:71 (ESV)
Thank you,
Sincerely,
Dimitri Skopos
