Expect a Miracle

One of the most popular themes in literature is deliverance. We are thrilled by stories of daring and bravery as people are rescued from danger, delivered from harm's way—sometimes at the last moment—while both rescued and rescuer are facing great risk.

The whole world watched with rapt attention when 33 Chilean miners were rescued last October, after being trapped for 69 days in a gold mine nearly half a mile underground. Though at first it seemed they were facing certain death, a team of miners, scientists and technicians worked together, tirelessly, day and night for months, to free the trapped men. It was a truly inspiring example of cooperation, hard work and technological prowess. People around the world rejoiced as the miners were painstakingly removed from the mine, one at a time, until all were delivered.

Countless books and movies feature themes of deliverance, because people are fascinated and inspired by it. The Bible, too, offers many accounts of miraculous deliverance. Consider the account of Noah and his family. It is a great story—and it is true. Think also of Abraham's deliverance of his nephew Lot against overwhelming odds. Later, Lot was also miraculously delivered from Sodom and Gomorrah.

God used Joseph, the son of Jacob, to deliver his people from famine. And perhaps the greatest escape of all time was God's deliverance of the Hebrew people from the mighty nation of Egypt, by the hand of Moses, with signs and wonders.

The New Testament also contains many amazing accounts of deliverance. Remember when Jesus was able to slip through a crowd of enemies who had sought to throw Him off a cliff (Luke 4:28–30). When the Apostle Peter was imprisoned for preaching the Gospel, chained between two guards, an angel freed him—the chains fell off, and the iron prison gate opened of its own accord so he could flee (Acts 12). Early in his ministry, the Apostle Paul had to escape the city of Damascus by being let down the city wall in a basket!

We are all interested in our own personal safety in the face of great danger. The Psalmist wrote eloquently about God's protection in these situations: "You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday. A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not come near you" (Psalm 91:5–7).

As human beings, we all need physical deliverance from time to time. Ultimately, though, what we need is spiritual deliverance. Why? The answer is simple: because "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). What is the consequence of sin? "[T]he wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23).

Thank God that deliverance is available—through Him! Paul wrote, "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life" (Romans 5:8–10).

In a very important prophecy, Jesus told the Apostle John in a vision, "Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth" (Revelation 3:10). Many other scriptures confirm this promise. Although a time of great suffering will soon come upon our world as we approach the prophesied Great Tribulation, God will deliver His faithful people from the worst of what is ahead—if we do our part to make ourselves ready. Our free booklet, What Is a True Christian?, can help you understand what to do.

When it comes to deliverance, expect a miracle!