NASA
The miners retreated to a safety chamber designed for just such an emergency. There they stayed for 17 days with no communication from the surface. Most of the world believed the situation to be extremely grim and nearly hopeless, but then something amazing happened.
Rescuers were able to drill a hole no larger than the size of a grapefruit into the safety chamber below. Upon retrieving the drill, rescuers found a note attached which read, “We are well in the refuge, the 33.” Miraculously, all 33 miners were alive. The hole that had been drilled then served as a lifeline of sorts in which they were able to pass water and food, as well as Bibles, letters and recordings from their loved ones.
As I recall this story, I can’t help but draw the obvious parallel between this lifeline that provided so much to the trapped miners and the incredible lifeline of prayer. We, as residents of this planet, are continually dealing with difficulties and challenges brought about by sin, but we can praise God we are not left alone.
Ellen White wrote, “There is a mighty power in prayer. Our great adversary is constantly seeking to keep the troubled soul away from God. An appeal to heaven by the humblest saint is more to be dreaded by Satan than the decrees of cabinets or the mandates of kings.” (Prayer, p. 267)
Our God has created a means of communication and nourishment, of strength and stability, an avenue to talk with Him as often as we would like. The Psalmist reminds us, But certainly God has heard me; He has attended to the voice of my prayer (Ps. 66:19).
Do we appreciate the lifeline God has given us in prayer? “We should watch and work and pray as though this were the last day that would be granted us. How intensely earnest, then, would be our life. How closely would we follow Jesus in all our words and deeds.” (Prayer, p. 26)
Jesus utilized prayer to its fullest. Jesus received strength through His time with His Father. However, our tendency can be to rely on our own strength rather than going to God in prayer. He has abundant resources available, ready to be poured out as we come to Him in prayer.
Jeremiah 29:12 says, Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.
We can fully depend on the promise of the Lord. He is always faithful.
Tom Hubbard, associate Ministerial director, Michigan Conference
