Launch out!

Yesterday a Mr Felix Baumgartner performed an astonishing world-first feat. He carried out the highest freefall jump ever, 24 miles up in the air; he jumped literally from the edge of space after rising to the height with a purpose built helium balloon.

Man is always looking to accomplish more and more astonishing feats in the natural earth and skies around us. Some Christians may say man is taking things too far when they attempt to tamper with nature or have aims to colonise places we are not meant to be, such as the Moon or Mars. However, you have to admire the constant drive for exploration and new discovery.

-Such a striving should be taken as an example for some of our assemblies of the faith. We serve the Great God of the universe who is able to do things amongst us that will blow our minds! (Ephesians 3:20) Furthermore, he said we are branches attached to Him –the vine- and this means we should be growing, flourishing and constantly bringing forth fruit each season. ‘Fruit’ is everything we produce that is pleasing to God (i.e. good works, souls being converted, qualities of character, etc)

Yet some of us are going round and round in circles just as the children of Israel did in the wilderness because they were not following God as they should have been. We are like the disciples who were toiling all night, just doing the same old, same old thing –and not getting anywhere. Then Jesus told them to cast their net on the right side- and hurrah! A boat load of fish miraculously came their way. The key instruction given by Jesus was ‘LAUNCH OUT into the deep’ (Luke 5:4).

....and this is exactly what we need to do. Remove ourselves from old comfort zones. Allow God to do the new and exciting things He desires to.

No matter how dry, barren or unchanging a situation seems, remember we serve a God who can do wonders even when it feels like we are in a dry desert spiritually (Isaiah 43:19)...A God who can bring beauty out of situations that appear hopeless (Isaiah 61:3)...A God who can do that which men think is impossible (Luke 18:27).

Just as Baumgartner courageously leapt from his capsule, we need to take a great leap of faith and let God allow us to soar with Him.