Come Rescue Us
Lead Us Out Of This Cave Of Fear Into The Light Of Life
by Eric Elkin
“Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my thoughts.
See if there is any wicked way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting”
Ekkaphon Chanthawong thought the boys would enjoy the adventure. Little did he know they were about to enter an international incident. Ekkaphon had no idea the experience would claim the lives of two men and threaten his team's lives. The impulse to explore, the desire to celebrate mixed with a beautiful Thai summer afternoon blinded them all from danger.
Two years ago, the world held its breathe as a team of international experts attempted one of the most extraordinary rescue attempts in human history. The incident began with the best of intentions. A young assistant soccer coach offered twelve members of his team an opportunity to explore a cave. Some suggested it was to celebrate one of the players' birthday.
The group passed a sign prohibiting people from entering the cave during monsoon season. Then again, monsoon season was a month away. Why would the warning cause concern? Inside the cave, they had no way of telling it was raining outside. The group got caught entirely unaware that the monsoon season had come a month earlier than usual.
The rain fell and did not stop. Water levels started to rise in the cave. It flooded the only way out before anyone noticed. Slowly and steadily, water kept coming forcing the group deeper into the cave. Eventually, the coach and players found a safe spot 2.5 miles from the cave's entrance.
“Beauty is not who you are on the outside, it is the wisdom and time you gave away to save another struggling soul like you.”
No one had a clue there was a problem until the head coach, Nopparat Khanthawong, checked his cellphone at 7 pm that night. He had twenty messages from worried parents. As the coach called around looking for answers, no one had any. Finally, one player told him the group planned to go into the cave. Driving over to the cave, Khanthawong found the boy's bike and gear, confirming his worst fear.
It took 10,000 people, including Navy SEALS, Air Force Special Operations squadrons, and master cave divers from around the world ten days to locate the boys. The rescue teams used robots, drones, and the most advanced technology to execute the search. Once they were found, it took another eight days to get them out.
If you are reading this reflection, you are not trapped in a cave. Although, there is something about life right now that feels like we are being cut off. Conditions beyond our control seem to be raising the level of anxiety, fear, anger, and frustration. These emotions seem to be cutting us off from all available exit routes.
My heart led me to change the words in the psalm this morning. Don't search me, O God, but search for me. I feel cut off, and I don't think anyone is looking for me. I have talked to enough people to know that I am not in this cave of anger alone. Could you form a search party, O God, and come rescue us?
Yet, when I really reflect upon this confinement, I discover what is cutting me off is buried deep within my heart. Perhaps it would be good for you, O God, to search me and know my heart. Once you've assessed the condition, you could lead me out of this self-imposed bondage and back into the light. I'll try to be quiet long enough to listen.
Click to read Psalm 139: 1-12,23-24
Reflection Questions:
What emotions are you trying to bury within your heart?
When do you feel they escape confinement?
How can you best deal with anger, frustration and anxiety without letting them claim our soul?
How can God guide you on the journey to get out?
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