Last Saturday, while sitting on my front porch savoring the September weather, a WW2 bomber flew over our house. Of course, I got up and waved. Not that the pilot of Canada’s Lancaster could see me. I didn’t know much about this plane, other than its name, so I did a little research. This is what I have learned.
Lancaster Bombers and the War Effort
Lancaster Bombers1 made a big difference in the war effort toward freedom. This particular restored bomber regularly takes to the sky and is flown in honor of 419, Royal Canadian Airforce Squadron. It’s also in honor of KB726—the Mynarski Memorial Lancaster. Airman Andrew Mynarski, mid-upper gunner, lost his life saving his friend and was awarded the Victoria Cross. The previous link leads to an article I found about Andrew, RCAF’s first Victoria Cross recipient of WW2. After researching this, I’m remembering the high cost of freedom again.
Stories, and the Faces Behind Them
I have to admit, this week I found it difficult to work on my WW2 manuscript again. The fight for freedom isn’t an easy topic. So I took a breather and pushed the manuscript aside for a few days.
But stories, and the faces behind them, are important. For many brave men and women, the fight cost them everything. So, what was it about freedom that, for many, was greater even than the threat of death? Not that I’m going to delve too deeply. Nor am I going to pretend to have the answer, but it’s worth thinking about why these brave folks gave everything to keep it.
After my breather, I was able to move forward in writing, to polish up some more of my manuscript. Because editing isn’t finished until it reaches a publisher.
In Real Time, Though, How do I Now Live?
It seems harder than ever to navigate the times. There’s so much tension. And, is it just me or are things getting more and more hostile?
Reaching for truth—the word of God—is where I landed my plane of thoughts. Forgive the pun. But I prayed, “God help set me free by your truth.”
There’s so much confusion.
What’s God’s word on this? “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace…” 1 Corinthians 14:33 KJV
What about this recent division of people then? Deep down, I know people only want to feel accepted, no matter who they are or where they came from. And because of the extensive research it took to write my manuscript, I know that dividing people hadn’t ended well.
First, I needed to know how God even feels about people. I mean, does He hate some and love others?
God’s word says. “For God so (greatly) loved and dearly prized the world, that He (even) gave His (One and) only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him (as Savior) shall not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16 AMP Bible.
I can breathe easier knowing He loves all people. Of course, we have to respond to His love. But for now, I needed to know how to live with all this division. I’ve always thought as a believer I should be impartial and God’s word reminded me of this again today.
“Opening his mouth, Peter said: I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality…” Acts 10:34 NASB
Because of God’s Love
Because of God’s love, I know now, “He is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9 1 Timothy 2:4
So, we shouldn’t embrace division then?
“… for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7b NASB
God’s Grace to Us in Jesus is the Basis for Our Acceptance
“For it is by grace (God’s remarkable compassion and favor drawing you to Christ) that you have been saved (actually delivered from judgement and given eternal life) through faith. And this (salvation) is not of yourselves (not through your own effort) but it is the (undeserved, gracious) gift of God.” Ephesians 2:8 AMPLIED bible.
So, it’s Jesus that makes us acceptable, then?
I read Luke 8:43-48, how Jesus healed the woman with a bleeding disorder. She felt unclean. People only compounded that feeling by isolating her. Jesus never did. He healed her. Helped her. God is impartial. He doesn’t isolate. We know sin creates separation from God, but it’s not his wish to be separated from us. The verse from Ephesians explains this.
We Need Jesus
When the world is guilty, let God be true.
“…let God be found true, though every man be found a liar…” Romans 3:4 NASB.
Because we all need Jesus. According to his word, “…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:23, 24 NASB.
Sinners find acceptance from God on the basis of Jesus, God in the flesh, and what He has done. This is true freedom. This freedom we can all have in Christ is news too good not to share.
Going back to that bomber that flew over our house.
It was spectacular. The question arises again. What is it about freedom that is more important than life itself? I’m reminded of Andrew Mynarski, who gave his life for his friend.
Jesus, God incarnate, gave his life for us so we could be God’s friend. All we need to do is receive his gift. Confess we are sinners, and receive Him as a friend and Savior.
I recently read from Oswald Chambers’ My Utmost for His Highest. He asks, will we bank on Jesus in spite of the confusion? Will we stand in faith believing that what the Lord said is true, though in the meantime we do not understand what God is doing?
Whatever He’s doing, I’m embracing freedom, especially my freedom in Jesus.
Blessings,
Johanna
- For more information on the Lancaster Bomber, see the link below. https://roadstories.ca/lancaster-bomber/
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