Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve been watching the international news—not for all the usual drama—but in regards to the Thai soccer team that was trapped in a cave two miles underground.

Like many people, I prayed for God to hold back the rain, for wisdom on how to save the boys, and for the rescue efforts to succeed. Yesterday, I saw an article which quoted the Thai Navy Seals site, “We are not sure if this is a miracle, or science, or what” that saved the boys.

My first thought after reading that quote was, why not both? God certainly answered my prayers and those of people all around the world…and science was one factor (not to mention the cooperation and bravery of each person on the rescue mission).

I’m not sure I want to go spelunking anytime soon… the total darkness alone would be horrifying. Having no sense of time would be disorienting. Also, the separation from loved ones, decreasing oxygen, and lack of food would be awful to endure

I’m glad a doctor and some Thai Navy Seals stayed in the cave for eight days with the team tending to them and preparing them for the journey out. What a picture of God’s love!

Jesus stays with us, teaches us, tends to our needs, provides for us, and leads us out of the darkness into His glorious light. What a Savior and Friend!

Yesterday, while I was praising God for answering our collective prayers and for rescuing the team and coach, I heard something on the radio that jived with what I was thinking.

Basically, the host mentioned how God works through prayer—and so (in some ways) we are a product of other people praying for us. How cool! The host went on to remind the listeners that each of us is called to pray for others, even if we never meet them in person.

I really enjoy learning about different cultures, which includes different religions. Of note, some of the Thai people involved may know Jesus personally, but many more likely do not. Still, Jesus died to save the Thai people just as much as He died for me.

I’m thankful God’s love extends to each of us , even when we is unaware of Him. He is mighty to save and draws us close with His never-ending grace!

A new friend came to my house to visit this week. We just happened to talk about intercessory prayer. She said that if she has a specific need, she starts praying for others with that same need. As she sees God working in other people’s lives, she notices more blessings and answered prayer in her life, too.

I’m so thankful that we can access God directly through prayer in Jesus’ Name. When we pray using the words of Scripture, we agree with God and pray according to His will.

Our prayers are always heard—even if they are answered differently than we’d like.

Whether through prayer, or science, or BOTH, God graciously saved that soccer team. But the Victory is extra special because people all over the world were united in heart and mind as they prayed. Praise God!

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God, thanks for saving the Thai soccer team and coach. Please bless them and bring them to full recovery. Thank You for rescuing us and leading us to Victory, too! In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Did you follow this international news story? What answers to prayer have you seen lately?

Tasks: As you bring your own personal requests to the Lord, start praying for others with the same need. That’s a good place to start! 🙂