God and the Astronauts’ Return

Did you watch the return of the astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams who had been stranded in space for over nine months?

What an incredible sight when the space capsule Dragon unfolded those colorful parachutes against a beautiful blue sky and landed in The Gulf of America near Tallahassee, Florida.

Prior to leaving the space station NASA held a press conference with Wilmore and Williams that wasn’t widely reported by the news media. One reporter asked about their “extended business trip” that was only supposed to be 8 days but turned into 286 days.

“What is your life lesson or takeaway from these nine months in space?” One reporter asked.

Wilmore’s response may be why it wasn’t reported by the main stream media.

“I can tell you honestly my feeling on all of this goes back to my faith. It’s bound in my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He is working out his plan and his purposes for his glory throughout all of humanity, and how that plays into our lives is significant and important. And however that plays out, I am content because I understand that. I understand that he’s at work in all things.”

The 62-year old Tennessee native then added: “Some things are for the good. Some things to us look not so good. But it’s all working for his good for those that will believe. And that’s the answer.”

Wilmore said he was anxious to return to his wife, Deanna, and their two children. He also revealed that he had been involved with a prayer group remotely from space using the space station’s internet phone.

Williams’ response and declaration of faith is reminiscent of David’s acknowledgment regarding God’s presence in Psalm 139:7-12.

Where shall I go from your Spirit?
Or where shall I flee from your presence?

If I ascend to heaven, you are there!
If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!

If I take the wings of the morning
and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,

even there your hand shall lead me,
and your right hand shall hold me.

If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me,
and the light about me be night,”

even the darkness is not dark to you;
the night is bright as the day,
for darkness is as light with you.

Whether on planet earth worshiping in a church building or working from the International Space Station, God is there. He sees. He hears. He cares. He answers prayer.

Williams also alluded to a passage in Romans 8:28 where Paul penned, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

While the application of this verse may be subject to some theological differences of opinion, it is an acknowledgment by the astronaut of God’s presence, providence, power, purpose, and sovereignty. How refreshing in an age where more emphasis is given to man’s technological advancement and visionary ingenuity than God’s omnipotence and omnipresence.

Furthermore, think of the precision of this mission? Dragon landed exactly to the minute at the time, on the day, and in the place that NASA predicted. That precision, along with the entire space program, is made possible because the cosmos operates by scientific laws and mathematical calculations that we can count on to be accurate. That same is true for knowing the tides, a lunar eclipse, a solar eclipse, and both sunrise and sunset.

The entire universe cries, “There is a Creator! There is a God!” Indeed both earth and outer space give glory to His Divine power and majesty. The orderly operation of the cosmos reminds us that neither its beginning was by accident, nor does it continue by mere chance, but is controlled by its Creator.

We thank God for the safe return of Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams. And we thank Butch for his reminder of God’s eternal presence, power, and providence.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman