This was D-Day in 1944.

D-Day refers to the beginning of a vitally important battle in World War II, in which the Allies (armed forces from America, England, Canada, and other countries) invaded France along the Normandy coast to fight the German Nazi army. The invasion was huge, involving more than 5,000 ships, from battleships to landing craft, that deposited about 130,000 troops on five beaches along 50 miles of coast. Early in the invasion, more than 1,000 transport planes dropped paratroopers as well. The cost of this invasion was also enormous, with total Allied casualties on this one day alone estimated at 10,000, including 2500 dead. But this was the first step toward victory in Europe.

The Allied commanders chose this invasion strategy because they needed to establish a “beachhead,” a place in enemy territory where the army could begin their move to victory. Having gained this beachhead, they could continue to bring in fresh troops who could move deeper into the countryside with their supply lines nearby.

This is often the way wars are won. A beachhead is established, often after a fierce battle. Then the rest of the territory is taken, one day and one battle at a time.

“Beachhead” is a good picture of what God wants to do in our lives. In many ways, we are enemy territory—sinful, selfishly living apart from God and for his enemy (Satan). But when we, by faith, open our lives to God, he comes in and begins to work, changing us on the inside, one day and one battle at a time. His goal? To make us like Christ (see Romans 8:29).

Have you taken that first step? Have you prayed and asked him in? When God invades your life, you’ll never be the same. He will gain the victory!

For if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9)

To Do

If you’ve never given your life to Christ, do it now. Find a Christian adult to help and to answer any questions. Also, go on the Internet and read about D-Day and the Battle of Normandy.

Also on this day . . .

1816—Ten inches of snow fell in New England. This was known as “the year without a summer.”

1933—In Camden, New Jersey, the first drive-in movie theater opened.

From Betsy Schmitt and Dave Veerman, 365 Trivia Twist Devotions: An Almanac of Fun Facts and Spiritual Truth for Every Day of the Year (Cincinnati: Standard, 2005). Scripture quotations are from the New Living Translation unless otherwise noted.