Back in August when the Chilean mine thing started to unfold, I decided to avoid most of the news coverage because the whole situation had “bad outcome” written all over it. But once the miners were discovered alive, I began to pray for their safe rescue, still afraid, mind you, to pay much attention to the news stories about them.
God answered my prayer and the prayers of people world-wide, and all 33 miners have been delivered from the depths in an operation that was faster and more trouble-free than anyone expected—a better outcome, really, than anyone could even hope for. Today I am thankful for God’s saving hand, which was there from start to finish, guiding the rescue operation and restoring these men to their families and to their lives. Women who could have been widows and children who could have been fatherless have, once again, husbands and fathers. What’s more, God brought miners and others to faith during this unbelievably difficult trial, saving them from something worse than physical death. For all these things, I am rejoicing and giving thanks to God “from whom all blessings flow.”
On Thursdays throughout this year, I plan to post a few thoughts of thanksgiving along with Kim at the Upward Call and others. Why don’t you participate by posting your thanksgiving each week, too? It’ll be an encouragement to you and to others, I promise.