How to Share Your Faith Using Space Shuttle Discovery's Mission
How would you feel if you were one of the astronauts on board the space shuttle Discovery this week? Excited, scared, thrilled, distressed? Have you ever wondered why they do what they do? And why do so many kids grow up wanting to become astronauts?
The re-launching of the space shuttle Discovery, after a two and half-year halt to the shuttle program, has refocused public attention on America's hopes and dreams for manned space exploration. Following the Columbia tragedy in which 7 astronauts lost their lives when their spacecraft disintegrated upon re-entry, NASA grounded the shuttle fleet to research and modify the shuttles' engineering flaws.
Unfortunately Discovery's launch was also plagued by heat shield problems from broken foam, similar to those that doomed Columbia. Surprised NASA scientists have examined the condition of Discovery's heat shield and found other concerns as well. The bottom of the shuttle contains a damaged section in which the material used to fill the gaps between the thermal tiles has slipped and is dangling loose. NASA scientists are faced with difficult decisions regarding whether repairs should be attempted in space, before the shuttle's scheduled return to Earth on August 8th.
Although NASA projects that Discovery's re-entry will be safe, space exploration is a dangerous and risky business. Have you ever wondered why astronauts are willing to take those kinds of risks and put their lives on the line? Ultimately, it is because they love what they do and are passionate about the cause of space exploration.
Since the dawn of history mankind has been fascinated by the heavens. The vast, awesome expanse of outer space draws us upward, beyond ourselves and our daily lives. It encourages us to ask the big question - "Is there a God who designed all that I see - and all that I can't see?" Ps. 19:1 says, "The heavens declare the glory of God." That is part of the reason humans are fascinated by the heavens.
But why are those who become astronauts willing to put their lives on the line to further space exploration? Because it is a cause they are passionate about and a cause they believe will help the future of mankind!
Have you found anything you're passionate enough about to give your life to? God designed human beings with the longing to be involved in something that's bigger than themselves, something that can change the course of history! The apostle Paul found something to pour his life into. In Phil 3:8 he declared, "I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus, for whose sake I have lost all things." If you are passionate about knowing Jesus and helping the world around you know him too, here are some ideas for using the space shuttle's mission and scheduled re-entry as a vehicle to "launch" conversations about God.
- Ask your friends how they'd feel if they were on Discovery, awaiting re-entry. Given Columbia's doomed re-entry, would they have be afraid as well that Discovery may experience a similar fate? Ask if they are afraid of what will happen after they die and use this discussion to share the G.O.S.P.E.L Journey.
- Ask your friends if there is anything they are passionate about and willing to give their lives to. Share what you're committed to giving your life to.
- Talk about people's fascination with outer space and use it to share your belief that "the heavens declare the glory of God." Check out this awesome web site for help with this- www.godandscience.org.
In the coming days, look for opportunities to use the unfolding news story of the space shuttle Discovery to share your faith with your friends. God calls each of us to "shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life." (Phil 2:15-16) Ask Jesus to help you do just that!
