From Hopelessness to Hope
This is a true story. In 2010, a shocking mining accident took place in Chile that drew the attention of the entire world.
Thirty-three miners were trapped underground, about 700 meters deep. To give you an idea of what that means—it’s roughly as deep as one of our country’s tallest skyscrapers if it were buried straight down into the earth.
Day after day passed as these miners remained trapped underground. Their water and food supplies grew scarcer, and they still couldn’t communicate with anyone on the surface. It seemed completely hopeless.
What would you have done if you were in their place?
After 16 days, although they were still alive, despair began to take hold—some even thought about ending their lives. But then something happened. Outside, rescue workers and experts from around the world tried every possible method and finally managed to drill a small passage that reached them.
All of a sudden, the 33 men went from hopelessness to hope. But did that mean they were saved already? Not yet. They were still trapped underground, but their state of mind completely changed—they no longer felt overwhelming fear or despair. Through that small passage, rescuers were able to send them real, practical help—food, water, and oxygen.
With hope and this support, they endured for 69 long days. In the end, all 33 men were rescued—a true miracle.
So, what can we learn from this story?
Have you ever felt anxious, as if you were also trapped 700 meters underground? In those moments, prayer is like that small passage—it connects us directly with God.
Through prayer, God reminds us of his promises—that soon he will completely remove all the problems and worries of this world. In his new world, all things that cause us distress will be gone forever. It’s as if God is saying to us, “I’ve found you. I’m going to pull you up soon. Don’t be afraid.” That fills us with hope.
And even now, through this “small passage,” God provides us with practical help. He gives us wisdom, loving brothers and sisters, and his Holy Spirit—just like food, water, and air—to sustain us through difficult times.
Yes, when we pray to God and seek his help, we can feel deep peace and no longer be overwhelmed by anxiety.
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7, NIV).
Breaking Mythical Barriers
For decades, the four‑minute mile was considered an almost impossible human achievement. It was like a mythical barrier had been set in place that none could shatter. Physiologists even warned that attempting it could be dangerous.
But on May 6, 1954, Roger Bannister, a 25‑year‑old English medical student, achieved the feat with a time of 3 minutes 59.4 seconds, just under the mythical barrier.
Once the mythical barrier was shattered, the barrier was quickly broken by other runners. Australian John Landy ran 3:57.9 later in 1954, proving the broken barrier wasn’t just a one‑off.
Since then, the mile record has steadily fallen. The current world record is 3:43.13, set by Moroccan runner Hicham El Guerrouj in 1999.
Today, more than 2,000 athletes have run under 4 minutes.
The first American to break 4 minutes was Don Bowden in 1957, running 3:58.7. And now the U.S. has produced dozens of sub‑4 milers, with 69 new additions in 2023 alone.
Fun Facts:
The four‑minute mile requires an average speed of 15 mph (24 km/h).
Despite thousands of men achieving it, no woman has yet run a mile under 4 minutes.
The breaking of the 4 minute mile was often compared to climbing Mount Everest — both were once thought impossible until the mid‑20th century.
Life presents each of us with trials of different kinds, and sadly, some lose hope when the weight of those challenges feels unbearable. Yet history reminds us that barriers once thought impossible can indeed be broken. For decades, the four‑minute mile was considered beyond human capability — until Roger Bannister proved otherwise in 1954. His achievement became a symbol that what seems insurmountable today can be overcome tomorrow.
In the same way, Scripture offers us a deeper assurance. In John 16:33, Jesus declares: “In this world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world.” Just as Bannister’s triumph showed that human limits are not fixed, Christ’s victory in the flesh demonstrates that trials do not have the final word. He set an example for us to follow — showing that endurance, courage, and faith can carry us through even the hardest struggles.
So when life’s obstacles feel overwhelming, we can remember both the runner who shattered a myth and the Savior who conquered the world. Their stories remind us: if it has been done before, it can be done again — and with faith, we too can endure and overcome.
Laugh for our Health
According to the Mayo Clinic, a good sense of humor can’t cure all ailments, but data is mounting about the positive effects of laughter. A good laugh lightens our load mentally. A good laugh actually induces physical changes in our body. Laughter can stimulate organs, activate and relieve our stress response, and soothes tension. Laughter can improve our immune system, relieve pain, improve our mood, helps us cope with difficult situations, and connect with other people.
Laughter is an expression of hope and expectation in God’s salvation, deliverance, as well as His promises.
A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones (Psalm 17:22, ESV).
Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, "The Lord has done great things for them" (Psalm 126:2, ESV).