Yes, this week the world witnessed the power of God in action. And as I declare this I am not denying the role of technology and the skills of the rescue workers.

God uses practical things, and His people who cooperate with Him to create miracles.

The miracle I am referring to of course is that of the safe rescue of 33 miners in Chile this week. PLUS 31 of them have already been released from hospital to go home and begin their new lives.

Some interesting stories are coming out now that miners are here to speak and share some of their experiences. Of course there was tension and anguish in the first days before they were found. Yes, they thought that their lives would end there.

BUT God stepped in. Lots and lots of prayer was being lifted up from the families, friends and from all over the world.

Here is what happened:
Through the brother and daughter of Jose Henirque the ministry, Campus Crusade For Christ was able to send an MP3 audio version of the Jesus film and an MP3 audio version of the New Testament in Spanish to Henriquez down in the mine.

Jose’s reaction to this gift was:

Then Jose asked Campus Crusade For Christ to get them some T Shirts that said: Gracias Señor (Thank you God) on the front and had the text of Psalm 95:4 on the back.

Psalm 95:4 says:

In his hand are the depths of the earth,
and the mountain peaks belong to him.

Mario Sepúlveda is reported to have made this comment when he came out:
God and the devil were fighting over me and God won, he said. I always knew they would get me out. I always had faith in the professionals here in Chile and in the Great Creator.

Their faith was very strong.

Take courage, believe God and do all you know to do, and you too WILL come out of your prison.

Read more here:
Chilean Miners Prove TO Be Faithful Men Of God
The Story Behind The Chilean Miners Jesus T Shirts

Photo Credit

33 Chilean miners were pulled out of the damaged mine one by one. They had been trapped in this mine for 70 days. I spent most of the day watching the event live and it was incredible. I watched it online where it was easier to pick up what they were saying and it was an amazing day.

The stories of each miner and their families were incredible as were the speeches given by President Sebastian Pinera.

From the conversations, speeches and greetings I could clearly see at least 3 main keys that led this mission to success.

Honor and Gratitude To God
In President Pinera’s last speech he made the comment: What ended as a true blessing from God – started as a possible tragedy.

The Hand of God was certainly in all of this mission, AND everyone involved in one way or another recognized this and gave thanks and honor to God.

Many of the miners wore sweatshirts that had “Thank you Lord” written across the front.

Hope and Faith Was Never Lost.
Many of the miners and their loved ones were heard to say that they did not lose hope or faith. The President himself declared earlier in the day: All of the miners are coming out strong and full of faith”

Team Work
There was incredible team work among the miners below as they organized themselves, agreed to delegate certain responsibilities. It is clear that each miner both respected his position and the position of the others.

They respected their chosen leaders and worked as a team. No doubt this contributed to saving their lives.

The coordination between the miners and the rescue team was also outstanding.

A True Captain
Luis Urzua took the role of the captain of their team, and as any good captain, he was last to come up. He did not want to come up until ALL of his team were safe.

I am sure there be a lot of stories of this experience coming out in the next days and weeks, and we will all be eager to learn more.

This story is indeed the story of faith, hope and miracles and is a demonstration of the Hand of God and the spirit of the Chilean people.

Today’s experience was truly an inspiration and challenge to us all.

Today’s question is:
Are you REALLY taking full advantage of the opportunity that life is offering you today?

Do you realize that life IS an opportunity?

Well those are two questions right? But they are very valid ones, and your answers will lead you to a life changing experience.

If you read What Does Each Day Mean To You? you will have already begun to consider the importance of taking advantage of the opportunities that each day brings.

How can you really live life to the full?
Isn’t it true that so often it is not until you are in danger of losing something in life that you actually fully recognize it’s real value?

Have you ever wondered why so often it is not until we face a near death experience or a similar severe challenge in life that recognize what a precious gift life really is?

So often we do not really recognize that life is an opportunity because:

1. We get busy with the daily routines and forget to look at the big picture.

Solution: Schedule at least 15 minutes EVERY day to spend time alone reflecting on all of the things you enjoy in life. Give thanks for each one.

It is so easy to take the good things that you enjoy in life for granted. And when that happens you don’t even realize just how many things you DO enjoy every day.

2. We are overcome with fear and doubt.

Solution: Recognize that fear will destroy your life and cloud your perspective of everything you do. It will stop you from REALLY enjoying anything in life.

Once you recognize the presence of fear, start to DISPLACE it with faith. You cannot get rid of a negative emotion or attitude in your life by focusing on it. You need to start intentially and deliberately focusing on the very opposite attitude.

Read: Fear Is A Developed Habit

Yes, fear is a developed habit and so to reverse this habit it will take daily focused action. What kind of action? Deliberately focus on positive solutions in every area of your life.

3. Our life dreams are frustrated.

I have left the best for the last

Solution:
Did you know that you were born with the seed of your destiny in your heart? This destiny includes your dreams, your passions and aspirations in life. It also includes a deep desire for a relationship with the Living God.

There are two major areas of life that are deeply connected with your dreams and your COMPLETE sense of purpose in life:

a. Relationship with God.
Yes I believe the Bible and the simple Gospel of abundant life in Christ. Without this relationship with God through Christ, no matter what level of success you rise to in life, there will always be a deep nagging emptiness in your heart. It won’t go away no matter what you try to fill it UNLESS you decide to follow Jesus. (Read John 1:12 and John 3:1-23 in the Bible).

b. Fulfillment of your destiny (or WHY = life’s dreams and purpose).
You will never be fully satisfied in life either until you are working towards your dream and then living it. We will be discussing this more in future articles on this blog. Meanwhile, I highly recommend you get this CD Find Your Why Now. See below under the resources section for more information.

Life is an opportunity – are you fully benefiting from it?

Resources:
Fear Is Wrongly Focused Faith,
Worry is wrong meditation
Find Your Why Now (Don’t miss this tremendous opportunity to get hold of a great CD plus several mp3s that will really change your life).

Photo Credit