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Countless Australians have prayed for the safe recovery of Cleo Smith – and God has answered our prayers!

All of Australia is rejoicing with the parents of Cleo Smith — some with shouts of joy and others with tears — at the miraculous discovery of Cleo. Missing for weeks, she has now been found alive and well. We give thanks to the Almighty God who alone does miracles beyond our comprehension.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison expressed his gratitude for answered prayers. The Western Australian Deputy Police Commissioner Col Blanch shared a similar sentiment, telling reporters, “This is the outcome we all hoped and prayed for”.

We thank God for the tireless efforts of the WA Police and all involved in their relentless efforts to locate Cleo. We bless God for our police officers and the community of Carnarvon who gave of themselves in every way in this search and rescue effort.

The Canberra Declaration’s Month of Prayer for Families

At the Canberra Declaration, we are shouting from the rooftops in response to this answered prayer. Over 180 people of faith from various cultures and denominations — and even from overseas — have been praying for families since the beginning of October. Throughout the month of October, our theme has been fasting and prayer for nation and family.

God’s heart is for the restoration of the families of Australia. When His people pray, God answers. As we read in Mark 11:22-24,

And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”

The Likelihood of Finding Cleo was Very Remote

Many cries went up for Cleo to not only be found, but to be found alive and safe. The situation looked very grim before today’s announcement was made. Speaking with Sunrise, Criminologist Xanthi Mallett Sunrise said, “I was sure by this point that Cleo wasn’t going to be found alive … the likelihood was very, very remote.”

My heart can relate to the dread doubtless felt by Cleo’s mother and father. I misplaced my firstborn son Mat as a four-year-old in Westfield Parramatta, NSW. The ordeal only lasted for one hour during a crazy Christmas shopping evening in December, 1997. The horror I felt as so many possibilities came to mind tore through me — and the joy of finding him was unexplainable.

We rejoice with Cleo’s family, and as a nation we are grateful to an eternal God who is a good Father who answers the cry of each heart. In thanksgiving, we also pray for the many parents who still have missing children and family members. May they too be found to the glory and goodness of God.

In the light of Jesus, all darkness must flee. May all things now kept hidden come to the brightness of His marvellous and glorious light.

Image by The West Australian.