A Story of Deliverance

"For great is your steadfast love toward me;

 you have delivered my soul

 from the depths of Sheol."

(from Psalm 86:11-17)

On June 23, 2018, a junior association soccer team chose to explore Tham Luang Nang Non, a karstic cave with complex deep recesses, narrow passages and tunnels.

Twelve members of the team aged 11 to 16, and their 25-year-old assistant coach went missing after setting out to explore the cave after a practice session.

Shortly after they entering the cave, team was stranded in the tunnels by sudden and continuous monsoon rains partially flooding the cave system, blocking their way out and trapping them deep within.

They were stranded and out of contract for over a week since all rescue attempts to locate the group were hampered by rising water and strong currents.

Rescue efforts grew into a massive operation amid intense worldwide public interest which involved international rescue teams involving nearly 10,000 people.

Between July 8 and 10, all 12 boys and their coach were rescued from the cave by an international team.

This is a story of how God works. 

The human story and biblical narrative tell us that when we unintentionally wander into unfamiliar places, get lost, and require rescue, God knows our need for deliverance.

One form of deliverance comes through Jesus Christ who claims to be “the way, the truth, and the life."

The psalmist can call boldly to God, confident both of God’s will and of God’s power to deliver from the depths of Sheol, darkness.

Like the psalmist, I am confident that God's will and power will deliver us from whatever darkness we find around us, be it a personal crisis, social injustice, or natural calamity. 

Even in these darknesses, we are all able to confidently sing praises to the Lord for t deliverance stories around us.

Think about it: What were the circumstances that brought about your deepest spiritual need and God's deliverance?