The launch of Apollo 11 has been the opening video at churh during our current Imagine series. I must admit, this morning I thought, “This again. They couldn’t come up with anything different.” As I attempted to look over the information in the Ministry Guide, I felt a stirring within and thought I should watch this. I looked up at the precise moment when the mechanisms holding the shuttle in place were breaking away from the shuttle. I began to wonder why this was stirring me so much this morning. That’s when it hit me. There are so many factors are involved in the liftoff of a NASA shuttle. It sits there on the launch pad, the mechanics holding the shuttle upright before lift off. The tanks are full of fuel, the shuttle full of people. The igniting spark comes when the launch sequence is complete and the “button” is pressed. The mechanisms holding the shuttle are broken free from the shuttle at the point of ignition. The fire burns so hot below and with such force that it’s only a matter of seconds before this shuttle is rocketing into space, on it’s way to complete the mission.

So what does this have to do with Christian life? Here’s the parallel. The fuel in the shuttle is the Holy Spirit and God’s Word dwelling within us. The people in the shuttle are a direct representation of the passion that stirs us inside our souls, the desire to do what we were created to do. Just as we acknowledge this passion and agree to obey, the ignition is fired (that’s us pushing the ’start’ button). The fire rages and burns hot within us and begins to propel us forward. All strongholds (the mechanisms holding the shuttle) are released by God in the ‘Control Tower’, and we are sent out on the course God has set for us…whether it be a worldwide ministry, a housewife dedicated to her husband and children, or someone called to represent Christ in a secular work environment.

The catch? There’s two. One - We are the ones who must press the ’start’ button and agree to follow God’s plan (our mission). The Bible says that God has a plan for our lives - each on of us (Jer 29:11). It is our choice to engage in these plans.

Two - We must remain in the ‘on’ position. Never along the way can we choose to abort. God requires 100% dedication and commitment just like those astronauts in the shuttle. From this point forward, we are rocketing into space. We can enjoy the ride and minister along the way, or we can sit in the corner and pout, wishing it was so much more. One thing is certain, our course is set when we take off.

God has predetermined a path for us and a speed at which to travel it. We must remain in a willing and obedient position, being fueled by God’s Word and the Holy Spirit merging within us. May we roger up and accept the mission He has for us, trusting that His purposes far surpass our understanding. May we focus our attention on Almighty God, that His Name would be exalted in all the earth.