The image of the Chilean Miners that were rescued in October 2010 is transfixed in many people's minds. The capsule, named Phoenix, that was sent down into the mine was claustrophobically small, yet was the only hope of these miners being rescued. As each of these miners was lifted over 2,000 feet from the mine, they emerged with smiles on their faces, tears in their eyes, and hope for a brighter tomorrow. Many of the miners let out a great cry of relief, some even singing as they were reunited with friends and family. It was easy to find oneself joining in the emotion and celebration for these miners because the story was so compelling and had gripped our news sources for weeks.

Over the past several weeks, we have been rehearsing a similar story of our own need for rescue from a miry, slimy, and muddy pit. This pit is filled with despair and tends to cause us to become depressed, angry, and defeated. Yet, when we cry out, we experience the mighty hand of our God lifting us out of the pit and setting our feet upon the rock. As we celebrate this salvation, we burst out in a new song that expresses our thanksgiving and our hope for a brighter day. The Psalmist wraps up this portion of the story with these words, "Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord" (Psalm 40:3b).

Our response to God's faithfulness does not go unseen. People will hear our new songs and our words of thanksgiving, while also witnessing the change in our attitude and personality. As they witness this breadth of expression, they will tend to be drawn to our situation and wondering what it is that has changed in us. It is in these moments that our present condition gives us ample opportunity to share the love and grace of Jesus Christ. When they hear the story and they see the change, they will stand back in wonder at a loving God that is to be feared (revered) and who is trustworthy.

There was a man born blind whose story we read in John 9. In this story Jesus heals this man and the Sanhedrin requires this man to stand before them to answer questions about the man who healed him. As the man tries to explain the situation and the person who healed him, he states, "Whether he is a sinner or not, I don't know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!" (9;25). It would have been easy for this man to try to explain the details and how he thought he had been healed; yet, he does not try to explain anything. He simply states the obvious and he stands firm on the fact there was a man who healed him.

I believe we have the great opportunity to stand with the Psalmist and with this man born blind to allow our lives to serve as witness to God's faithfulness. When we hide our joy and our celebration, we rob God of God's possibility to use the situation to point to God's faithfulness.

How is your story sharing the love of Christ with other people? Do you find yourself expressing the positive expressions of God's faithfulness in such a way that people see and hear something different and want to know more? Are you focused on the time you spent in the pit so much that the new song is unable to be heard and all people experience about your God is the waiting? I encourage you to let the "new song" radiate from your life that people might be drawn to Christ through your experiences.