Rescued
by Joan Vetter
The world seemed to hold a collective breath as we anticipated the rescue of the Chilean miners on television. For me, it represented more than just a dramatic release of thirty three trapped miners. Their dire circumstance parallels our Christian faith and brought new light to certain scriptures.
For instance, the scripture in Psalms 40:1-3: "I waited patiently for the Lord, and He inclined to me and heard my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock and established my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth - praise to our God. Many will see it and fear, and will trust in the Lord." For these miners, waiting patiently meant sixty nine days from the first time God heard their cry. Sometimes we feel God doesn't hear our cries, but all during this time men were actively at work designing and implementing their rescue.
During a time of trial we may identify with the miners during their captivity. Have you ever felt your situation was hopeless? I love the correlation of the families camping out close by in what they termed Camp Hope. We also, in what looks like a hopeless situation, desperately need the hope and prayers of those closest to us. The miners themselves also received hope as they held on to the love and anticipation of being reunited with their families. Hope is the anchor for our soul as we wait with faith and patience for our breakthrough.
Another principal in scripture they exemplified is unity. The men followed the man who became their leader in rationing their food. They prayed every day, exercised and worked to keep their spirits positive. Mario Sepulveda, one of the miners, said "I was with God and with the devil. And I reached out to God." After his release he said, "Life is short - in one second it can all be gone. Live your life. Don't worry about money."
As the miners were brought out one by one, the joy of watching their reunion with loved ones was viewed worldwide. Wasn't that spark of gratitude for life and family burning a little brighter in our hearts as we rejoiced with them?
Another scripture in Psalms fits so well here. It is "When the Lord brought us back and restored our freedom, we felt so good, we felt so strong. At first we felt we were dreaming. How we laughed. How we sang. We were overflowing. Then we heard the nations say, Look what the Lord has done. The Lord has done great things for us and we are filled with joy." Ps. 126:1-3
The world loves a happy ending - let's show them how strong and faithful our God is to deliver us!
