"The Reality of Free Fall"

Stepping Out in RED Shoes!

- Day 97 -

Did someone say, "Intense?"

Today I was reminded that I brought this all on myself.  It all started over thirty years ago.  There I was at the altar, at North Providence Assembly, crying out to God...

"Lord... Send me!  

I'll go!  I'll do it!"

God may call you -  God may envision you -- God may speak a powerful prophetic Word over you -- God may ignite you with a passion beyond compare -- but it doesn't go from there, straight to manifestation.  In between, you've got to walk it out -- work it -- freefall.

One of my favorite movies is Apollo 13.  It's the story of three astronauts going to the moon. Of course, like any exciting story, there are challenges to overcome.  

No trial, No testimony!

That means if there isn't some sort of danger, risk, or challenge, you got nothing.  There's no victory.  Your story is boring.  The thrill comes when it appears that all is lost -- there's no way out --  all hope is gone BUT...  but then something happens -- something unexpected -- something awesome!

The crew of Apollo 13 faced many challenges and overcame them, but the greatest challenge of all was re-entry. 

One official in the control tower proclaims,  

"This could be the worst disaster NASA has ever experienced!"

Countering that negative confession was one proclaiming by faith, 

"With all due respect sir, I believe this is going to be our finest hour!"

The three astronauts, strapped into their seats, wait -- hoping and believing.
They're tired.  They're spent.  There's nothing more they can do but wait.
It's all up to God now.

There's a loss of radio contact for a short period of time, in which everyone
 holds their breath.

As the spacecraft begins re-entry, it gets uncomfortable.  Everything begins to shake.  

The atmosphere heats up to an ultimate high.  Things are rumbling and falling apart.

The control tower announces that they expect to regain contact in three minutes,

but three minutes come and go.  Even still, everyone continues to listen intently,
waiting with anticipation -- Praying --  Hoping.

In the final hour, those at home extend their hope beyond the three minutes.  

Every few seconds, the control tower attempts communication, again and again.
"Odyssey, this is Huston, Do you read me?"

Waiting.  Waiting. Waiting...  and more Waiting!  How much waiting can there be?

I was remind of King Darius running down to the Lion's Den at daybreak.  He couldn't wait
any longer  "Daniel!  Daniel!"  he shouted.  "Has your God saved you?"

Then SUDDENLY... there it is!  The spacecraft is floating down through the clouds.  The parachutes did open!  The astronauts are alive.  The heat shield did work!  Hallelujah!  You don't even know how to react at first.  Against all odds -- in the natural --  your spirit chose to believe God, and He came through with flying colors.  It takes a moment to all sink in.  God came through!  He delivered!   

Moments seems like minutes.  

We adjust.  We can all breathe again.  

Applause erupts!  

God gets all the glory! 

Whewwwww!
Yup... That's the reality of free fall!
Only with me, there's the little detail of RED shoes!

Gail